As of the 5th of May 2023, we are going to immediately put an end to all of the mandatory requirements that are associated with participation in ParentsNext.
This means that participants will no longer be subject to payment suspensions or penalties if they do not participate in activities that fall under the purview of ParentsNext. Examples of such activities include failing to show up for scheduled appointments.
Work is currently being done to make contact with all of the impacted participants, who will be invited to continue in events and will be eligible to receive financial aid as they become available.
Parents who continue to participate in ParentsNext will continue to get aid in planning and preparing for employment, that include financial assistance to undertake education or training. The government encourages parents to access these supports, as it will continue to provide these benefits to parents who continue to participate in ParentsNext.
These provisions will ensure that parents and caregivers can continue to obtain the help they require, such as access to 36 hours that is per fortnight of subsidized childcare provided by the Child Care Subsidy program.
In collaboration with parents and other community members who have a stake in the matter, an entirely new voluntary service will be developed.
All other participants will be required to continue fulfilling their mutual responsibility responsibilities as part of Workforce Australia. Programs such as Transition to Work are included in this category. In addition, participants in the Community Development Program (CDP) and the Disability Employment Services (DES) will continue to be required to fulfill their mutual obligation obligations.
