Labour Marketand Related Payments

a monthly profile

Note: The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) produces the official unemployment statistics. The figures contained in this publication are different from the ABS unemployment figures as the ABS and the Department Social Services (DSS) use different definitions to identify the unemployed and different methods of counting (see the Appendix for more information).

This publication can be found on the Department of Social Services website at DSS - Labour Market and Related Payments Publication (http://www.dss.gov.au/lmrp).

November 2016Embargoed

Until 11.30 am, 21 December 2016

ContentsIntroduction....................................................................................................................2

Statistical Highlights......................................................................................................3

Table 1 - Labour Market Payments - Time Series.........................................................4

Table 2 - Newstart Allowees - Derivation Of The Job Seeker Population....................5

Table 3 - Youth Allowees (Other) - Derivation Of The Job Seeker Population............6

Table 4 - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other)

Time Series.....................................................................................................................7

Table 5 - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other)

By State..........................................................................................................................8

Table 6 - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance And Youth Allowance (Other)

By Age and Sex..............................................................................................................9

Table 7 (Parts a to n) - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth

Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre............................................10

Table 8 - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other)

Fortnightly Earnings and Sex.......................................................................................24

Explanatory Notes........................................................................................................25

Payment History.......................................................................................................25

Glossary........................................................................................................................31

Appendix......................................................................................................................34

For More Information..................................................................................................37

2

Introduction

This publication presents statistical information on a monthly basis for the various types of labour market payments delivered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) on behalf of the Department of Social Services (DSS). This publication was produced previously by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

This publication covers Newstart (NSA) and Youth Allowance (other) (YA(o)) in some detail, and to a lesser extent, Partner Allowance (PA), Widow Allowance (WA), Youth Allowance (Full Time Student)(YA(FTS)) and Youth Allowance (Australian Apprentices) (YA(a)).

Table 1 provides information on the total number of NSA and YA recipients. The YA population is broken down into YA(o), YA(FTS) and YA(Australian Apprentices) categories. The total numbers of PA and WA recipients are also provided in this table.

Tables 2 and 3 show the derivation of the NSA and YA(o) job seeker populations (see the reference to job seekers in the ‘Comparability of data’ section of the Explanatory Notes). These populations are added together to derive the total number of job seekers.

Tables 4 to 8 provide information on the total job seeker population.

When using time series figures, it is important to note that changes have occurred over time to the conditions of eligibility for different payments. Details of these changes are provided in the Explanatory Notes.

All media inquiries should be directed to the DSS Media Team on (02) 6146 3242.For more general inquiries regarding further statistical information please refer to the last page of this publication for other contact details.

The next issue of this publication is scheduled for release on 25 January 2017.

3

Statistical Highlights – November 2016Between November 2015 and November 2016

Total Newstart Allowance (NSA) and Youth Allowance (other) (YA(o)) recipients increased 1.3 per cent overall from 842 137 to 852 901.

NSA recipients increased 1.6 per cent from 748 450 to 760 719. YA(o) recipients decreased 1.6 per cent from 93 687 to 92 182.

The number of job seekers decreased 4.6 per cent overall from 509 140 to 485 883.

NSA job seekers decreased 3.3 per cent from 435 732 to 421 380. YA(o) job seekers decreased 12.1 per cent from 73 408 to 64 503.

Long-term job seekers decreased 3.8 per cent from 336 218 to 323 423.

Short-term job seekers decreased 6.1 per cent from 172 922 to 162 460.

NOTE: On 1 July 2015, a new employment services model ‘jobactive’ was introduced. ‘jobactive’ replaced Job Services Australia and has a stronger focus on job search and finding and keeping employment. Job seeker numbers increased after the introduction, as more recipients have a job search requirement under the new model.

For comparisons between DSS unemployment labour market payment numbers and ABS labour force unemployment statistics, see Appendix.

Figure 1: Line Graph – Newstart and Youth Allowance (other) time series

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1000

Nov-14 Jan-15 Mar-15 May-15 Jul-15 Sep-15 Nov-15 Jan-16 Mar-16 May-16 Jul-16 Sep-16 Nov-16

Thousands Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other)November 2014 - November 2016

Short-term jobseekers Long-term jobseekersTotal jobseekers Total NSA/YA(o) Recipients

4

Table 1 - Labour Market Payments - Time Series

Month/YearNewstart

AllowanceLong Term

Newstart Allowance

Total

Youth Allowance

(Other)

Youth Allowance (Full-time Student)

Youth Allowance (Australian Apprentice)

Partner Allowance

Widow Allowance

February 1994 472,785 977,796 .. .. .. .. ..

November 2014 516,763 731,126 101,405 211,398 5,988 7,157 24,180 December 2014 527,318 746,294 112,079 182,733 5,857 6,967 23,988

January 2015 532,903 754,340 108,657 173,161 5,502 6,756 23,604 February 2015 537,533 760,149 109,888 188,529 5,417 6,552 23,336 March 2015 538,587 759,924 106,436 210,765 5,599 6,356 23,058 April 2015 543,245 765,988 107,978 219,279 5,701 6,149 22,794 May 2015 540,239 760,928 105,558 230,469 5,710 5,971 22,467 June 2015 549,111 774,072 109,165 232,088 5,676 5,790 22,151 July 2015 547,590 769,902 108,437 216,773 5,447 5,612 21,768 August 2015 538,904 753,622 100,040 232,201 5,320 5,440 21,468 September 2015 538,773 751,471 97,693 234,033 5,197 5,292 21,197 October 2015 537,479 746,317 94,433 232,317 4,970 5,120 20,868 November 2015 540,412 748,450 93,687 205,857 4,527 4,947 20,600 December 2015 551,705 762,624 103,632 167,101 4,216 4,804 20,319

January 2016 554,509 766,841 100,188 161,730 3,938 4,639 19,975 February 2016 557,411 769,913 100,265 173,005 3,950 4,477 19,670 March 2016 564,903 781,118 99,942 188,688 3,881 4,343 19,363 April 2016 559,242 773,675 98,326 208,242 3,835 4,208 19,047 May 2016 555,867 768,503 98,016 230,821 4,194 4,104 18,739 June 2016 555,870 767,908 97,846 229,689 4,271 4,004 18,472 July 2016 555,399 765,756 98,389 210,161 4,152 3,863 18,067 August 2016 553,958 762,134 95,061 223,367 4,050 3,732 17,724 September 2016 554,177 760,972 93,693 222,127 4,014 3,590 17,437 October 2016 552,913 758,328 92,059 220,497 3,889 3,470 17,193 November 2016 555,286 760,719 92,182 196,018 3,658 3,386 16,994

Variation October 2016 - November 2016Number 2,373 2,391 123 -24,479 -231 -84 -199Per cent 0.4 0.3 0.1 -11.1 -5.9 -2.4 -1.2

Notes: Long-term Allowees have received income support for 12 months or more. The method of measuring the number of people receiving labour market payments was revised in July 2002.

The July 2002 publication includes revised historical data from May 1998 to June 2002. February 1994 data is included as it represents a peak in the number of recipients.

5

Table 2 - Newstart Allowees - Derivation of the Job Seeker Population

Newstart Allowance

November 2016

Persons

November 2016 Males

November 2016

FemalesOctober

2016

Variation October - November Number

Variation October - November

per cent

Short Term Newstart Allowees 205,433 126,911 78,522 205,415 18 0.0Did not receive a payment (a) 12,654 7,208 5,446 11,948 706 5.9Received a payment 192,779 119,703 73,076 193,467 -688 -0.4

Voluntary/part-time work (b) 7,509 2,048 5,461 7,630 -121 -1.6Other activities without job search (c) 11,034 6,029 5,005 10,545 489 4.6Incapacitated (d) 26,437 15,439 10,998 26,242 195 0.7Other/temporary exemptions (e) 13,605 7,672 5,933 13,699 -94 -0.7Short-term NSA job seekers (f) 134,194 88,515 45,679 135,351 -1,157 -0.9

Short-term NSA training/education (g) 33,250 19,129 14,121 33,214 36 0.1

Long Term Newstart Allowees 555,286 265,634 289,652 552,913 2,373 0.4Did not receive a payment (a) 22,507 9,594 12,913 20,309 2,198 10.8Received a payment 532,779 256,040 276,739 532,604 175 0.0

Voluntary/part-time work (b) 72,709 16,929 55,780 73,459 -750 -1.0Other activities without job search (c) 61,283 29,220 32,063 61,044 239 0.4Incapacitated (d) 61,445 30,588 30,857 60,044 1,401 2.3Other/temporary exemptions (e) 50,156 23,061 27,095 49,477 679 1.4Long-term NSA job seekers (f) 287,186 156,242 130,944 288,580 -1,394 -0.5

Long-term NSA training/education (g) 191,705 94,947 96,758 189,397 2,308 1.2

All Newstart Allowees 760,719 392,545 368,174 758,328 2,391 0.3Did not receive a payment (a) 35,161 16,802 18,359 32,257 2,904 9.0Received a payment 725,558 375,743 349,815 726,071 -513 -0.1

Voluntary/part-time work (b) 80,218 18,977 61,241 81,089 -871 -1.1Other activities without job search (c) 72,317 35,249 37,068 71,589 728 1.0Incapacitated (d) 87,882 46,027 41,855 86,286 1,596 1.8Other/temporary exemptions (e) 63,761 30,733 33,028 63,176 585 0.9All NSA job seekers (f) 421,380 244,757 176,623 423,931 -2,551 -0.6

All NSA training/education (g) 224,955 114,076 110,879 222,611 2,344 1.1

(a) Allowees who did not receive a payment due to their own income and/or that of their partner or parents, where applicable. This group is often referred to as zero-paid.

(b) Allowees who are not required to seek work because they are undertaking approved full-time voluntary work or a combination of voluntary and part-time work.

(c) Allowees who are undertaking one or more other activities (which may include training or education) but not job search. This includes allowees undertaking self-employment development.

(d) Allowees who are temporarily ill or incapacitated.(e) Includes allowees who are known not to have participation requirements and allowees participating in Disability Management Services. (f) Allowees who received a payment and generally are required to search for work. These allowees are classified as job seekers and form

the basis of the population group in Tables 4 - 7.(g) All allowees who are undertaking training or education which may be in conjunction with job search and/or other activities. This

category is a subset of all allowees who received a payment.Notes: Long-term allowees have received income support for 12 months or more.

6

Table 3 - Youth Allowees (Other) - Derivation of the Job Seeker Population

Youth Allowance (other)

November 2016

Persons

November 2016 Males

November 2016

FemalesOctober

2016

Variation October - November Number

Variation October - November

per cent

Short Term Youth Allowees 41,031 22,374 18,657 40,994 37 0.1Did not receive a payment (a) 1,251 578 673 1,293 -42 -3.2Received a payment 39,780 21,796 17,984 39,701 79 0.2

Other activities without job search (b) 7,672 4,437 3,235 7,566 106 1.4Incapacitated (c) 2,080 1,036 1,044 2,163 -83 -3.8Other/temporary exemptions (d) 1,762 867 895 1,773 -11 -0.6Short-term YA (other) job seekers (e) 28,266 15,456 12,810 28,199 67 0.2

Short-term YA (other) training/education (f) 12,860 6,930 5,930 13,228 -368 -2.8

Long Term Youth Allowees 51,151 25,957 25,194 51,065 86 0.2Did not receive a payment (a) 1,520 646 874 1,582 -62 -3.9Received a payment 49,631 25,311 24,320 49,483 148 0.3

Other activities without job search (b) 8,065 4,319 3,746 8,123 -58 -0.7Incapacitated (c) 2,955 1,315 1,640 2,960 -5 -0.2Other/temporary exemptions (d) 2,374 1,033 1,341 2,367 7 0.3Long-term YA (other) job seekers (e) 36,237 18,644 17,593 36,033 204 0.6

Long-term YA (other) training/education (f) 21,371 10,609 10,762 21,724 -353 -1.6

All Youth Allowees 92,182 48,331 43,851 92,059 123 0.1Did not receive a payment (a) 2,771 1,224 1,547 2,875 -104 -3.6Received a payment 89,411 47,107 42,304 89,184 227 0.3

Other activities without job search (b) 15,737 8,756 6,981 15,689 48 0.3Incapacitated (c) 5,035 2,351 2,684 5,123 -88 -1.7Other/temporary exemptions (d) 4,136 1,900 2,236 4,140 -4 -0.1All YA (other) job seekers (e) 64,503 34,100 30,403 64,232 271 0.4

All YA (other) training/education (f) 34,231 17,539 16,692 34,952 -721 -2.1

(a) Allowees who did not receive a payment due to their own income and/or that of their partner or parents, where applicable. This group is often referred to as zero-paid.

(b) Allowees who are undertaking one or more other activities (which may include training or education) but not job search. This includes allowees undertaking self-employment development.

(c) Allowees who are temporarily ill or incapacitated.(d) Includes allowees who are known not to have participation requirements and allowees participating in Disability Management Services. (e) Allowees who received a payment and generally are required to search for work. These allowees are classified as job seekers and form

the basis of the population group in Tables 4 - 7.(f) All allowees who are undertaking training or education which may be in conjunction with job search and/or other activities. This

category is a subset of all allowees who received a payment.Notes: Long-term allowees have received income support for 12 months or more.

7

Table 4 - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) Time Series

Month/Year Short-term Long-term Total

November 2014 144,549 252,616 397,165December 2014 151,992 269,253 421,245

January 2015 158,486 279,232 437,718February 2015 159,147 280,864 440,011March 2015 155,412 275,725 431,137April 2015 157,385 278,562 435,947May 2015 155,786 274,542 430,328June 2015 160,700 280,671 441,371July 2015 169,236 310,466 479,702August 2015 180,978 349,635 530,613September 2015 179,407 347,277 526,684October 2015 175,151 339,772 514,923November 2015 172,922 336,218 509,140December 2015 179,495 351,946 531,441

January 2016 184,517 365,464 549,981February 2016 182,731 359,943 542,674March 2016 183,539 359,248 542,787April 2016 180,450 349,643 530,093May 2016 176,929 340,813 517,742June 2016 174,937 336,308 511,245July 2016 174,234 335,579 509,813August 2016 169,184 328,317 497,501September 2016 165,330 324,731 490,061October 2016 163,550 324,613 488,163November 2016 162,460 323,423 485,883

Variation October 2016 - November 2016Number -1,090 -1,190 -2,280Per cent -0.7 -0.4 -0.5

Notes:- Long-term job seekers have received income support for 12 months or more.

8

Table 5 - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By State

State October 2016November

2016Variation Number

Variation Per cent

Short-Term Job SeekersNew South Wales 39,624 39,413 -211 -0.5Victoria 35,436 35,628 192 0.5Queensland 42,139 41,291 -848 -2.0South Australia 13,352 13,058 -294 -2.2Western Australia 23,892 23,897 5 0.0Tasmania 4,206 4,217 11 0.3Northern Territory 3,455 3,541 86 2.5Australian Capital Territory 1,446 1,415 -31 -2.1Australia 163,550 162,460 -1,090 -0.7

Long-Term Job SeekersNew South Wales 88,657 87,714 -943 -1.1Victoria 69,982 69,943 -39 -0.1Queensland 74,417 74,254 -163 -0.2South Australia 30,722 30,340 -382 -1.2Western Australia 37,920 38,141 221 0.6Tasmania 10,612 10,683 71 0.7Northern Territory 9,523 9,580 57 0.6Australian Capital Territory 2,780 2,768 -12 -0.4Australia 324,613 323,423 -1,190 -0.4

Total Job seekersNew South Wales 128,281 127,127 -1,154 -0.9Victoria 105,418 105,571 153 0.1Queensland 116,556 115,545 -1,011 -0.9South Australia 44,074 43,398 -676 -1.5Western Australia 61,812 62,038 226 0.4Tasmania 14,818 14,900 82 0.6Northern Territory 12,978 13,121 143 1.1Australian Capital Territory 4,226 4,183 -43 -1.0Australia 488,163 485,883 -2,280 -0.5

Notes: Long-term job seekers have received income support for 12 months or more.

9

Table 6 - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Age and Sex

Age

Short-term job seekers Number

Short-term job seekers

Per Cent

Long-term job seekers

Numbers

Long-term job seekers

Per Cent

Total job seekers Number

Total job seekers

Per Cent

MalesLess than 18 years 1,684 1.6 501 0.3 2,185 0.818 - 20 years 11,215 10.8 12,099 6.9 23,314 8.421 - 24 years 14,903 14.3 24,563 14.0 39,466 14.225 - 29 years 15,734 15.1 24,251 13.9 39,985 14.330 - 39 years 23,658 22.8 40,274 23.0 63,932 22.940 - 49 years 18,688 18.0 35,735 20.4 54,423 19.550 - 59 years 12,875 12.4 26,090 14.9 38,965 14.060 years and over 5,216 5.0 11,374 6.5 16,590 5.9Total 103,973 100.0 174,887 100.0 278,860 100.0

FemalesLess than 18 years 1,749 3.0 671 0.5 2,420 1.218 - 20 years 9,510 16.3 11,835 8.0 21,345 10.321 - 24 years 8,381 14.3 17,610 11.9 25,991 12.625 - 29 years 6,360 10.9 14,146 9.5 20,506 9.930 - 39 years 8,660 14.8 28,827 19.4 37,487 18.140 - 49 years 10,421 17.8 39,214 26.4 49,635 24.050 - 59 years 9,588 16.4 27,539 18.5 37,127 17.960 years and over 3,818 6.5 8,694 5.9 12,512 6.0Total 58,487 100.0 148,536 100.0 207,023 100.0

PersonsLess than 18 years 3,433 2.1 1,172 0.4 4,605 0.918 - 20 years 20,725 12.8 23,934 7.4 44,659 9.221 - 24 years 23,284 14.3 42,173 13.0 65,457 13.525 - 29 years 22,094 13.6 38,397 11.9 60,491 12.430 - 39 years 32,318 19.9 69,101 21.4 101,419 20.940 - 49 years 29,109 17.9 74,949 23.2 104,058 21.450 - 59 years 22,463 13.8 53,629 16.6 76,092 15.760 years and over 9,034 5.6 20,068 6.2 29,102 6.0Total 162,460 100.0 323,423 100.0 485,883 100.0

Notes: Long-term job seekers have received income support for 12 months or more.

10

Table 7a - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

Sydney Service Zone by Service CentreOctober

2016November

2016Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Bankstown 3,281 3,254 -27 -0.8Bondi Junction 774 762 -12 -1.6Burwood 1,478 1,419 -59 -4.0Cabramatta 2,251 2,192 -59 -2.6Camden 761 737 -24 -3.2Campbelltown 2,218 2,167 -51 -2.3Campsie 2,432 2,356 -76 -3.1Caringbah 645 641 -4 -0.6Chatswood 995 978 -17 -1.7Darlinghurst 1,509 1,488 -21 -1.4Fairfield 2,795 2,835 40 1.4Hornsby 987 995 8 0.8Hurstville 1,422 1,420 -2 -0.1Ingleburn 1,161 1,135 -26 -2.2Leichhardt 1,285 1,252 -33 -2.6Liverpool 3,767 3,685 -82 -2.2Maroubra 1,321 1,315 -6 -0.5Marrickville 904 865 -39 -4.3Northern Beaches 1,112 1,099 -13 -1.2Redfern 1,600 1,564 -36 -2.3Rockdale 1,280 1,251 -29 -2.3Ryde 999 982 -17 -1.7Sutherland 689 658 -31 -4.5Other (a) 51 64 % %

Total 35,717 35,114 -603 -1.7

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

11

Table 7b - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

North New South Wales Service Zone by Service Centre

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Ballina 1,056 1,026 -30 -2.8Brunswick Heads 886 855 -31 -3.5Byron Bay 376 383 7 1.9Casino 899 892 -7 -0.8Cessnock 1,119 1,092 -27 -2.4Charlestown 1,960 1,948 -12 -0.6Coffs Harbour 2,200 2,208 8 0.4Comm Support Team 75 78 % %Ettalong 751 742 -9 -1.2Forster 868 875 7 0.8Gosford 1,696 1,726 30 1.8Grafton 1,004 1,007 3 0.3Kempsey 1,014 1,008 -6 -0.6King Street 1,370 1,392 22 1.6Kurri Kurri 622 609 -13 -2.1Lakehaven 1,864 1,852 -12 -0.6Lismore 2,072 2,134 62 3.0Maitland 2,161 2,127 -34 -1.6Mayfield 1,098 1,087 -11 -1.0Murwillumbah 760 778 18 2.4Muswellbrook 839 827 -12 -1.4Nambucca Heads 626 641 15 2.4Nelson Bay 614 610 -4 -0.7North New South Wales 21 22 % %Port Macquarie 1,792 1,814 22 1.2Raymond Terrace 1,215 1,247 32 2.6Singleton 506 500 -6 -1.2Taree 1,917 1,922 5 0.3The Entrance 1,270 1,276 6 0.5Toronto 1,116 1,108 -8 -0.7Tweed Heads 1,597 1,581 -16 -1.0Wallsend 1,851 1,827 -24 -1.3Woy Woy 526 500 -26 -4.9Wyong 628 606 -22 -3.5Yamba 405 397 -8 -2.0Other (a) 55 69 % %

Total 38,829 38,766 -63 -0.2

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

12

Table 7c - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

Central New South Wales Service Zone by Service Centre

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Armidale 1,159 1,143 -16 -1.4Auburn 1,931 1,894 -37 -1.9Bathurst 957 995 38 4.0Baulkham Hills 852 903 51 6.0Blacktown 3,309 3,225 -84 -2.5Bourke 503 504 1 0.2Dubbo 2,671 2,696 25 0.9Glen Innes 428 421 -7 -1.6Gunnedah 507 508 1 0.2Hawkesbury 910 934 24 2.6Inverell 784 776 -8 -1.0Katoomba 665 639 -26 -3.9Lightning Ridge 233 225 -8 -3.4Lithgow 755 746 -9 -1.2Merrylands 1,985 1,952 -33 -1.7Moree 587 569 -18 -3.1Mt Druitt 2,836 2,821 -15 -0.5Mudgee 646 625 -21 -3.3Narrabri 443 437 -6 -1.4Orange 1,295 1,274 -21 -1.6Parkes 995 985 -10 -1.0Parramatta 2,076 2,046 -30 -1.4Penrith 1,834 1,811 -23 -1.3Springwood 307 298 -9 -2.9St Marys 1,710 1,653 -57 -3.3Tamworth 2,197 2,205 8 0.4Walgett 346 333 -13 -3.8Other (a) 27 21 % %

Total 32,948 32,639 -309 -0.9

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

13

Table 7d - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

Southern New South Wales Service Zone by Service Centre

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Batemans Bay 706 697 -9 -1.3Bega 694 683 -11 -1.6Belconnen 1,151 1,125 -26 -2.3Bowral 442 452 10 2.3Braddon 991 983 -8 -0.8Cooma 396 391 -5 -1.3Corrimal 971 916 -55 -5.7Cowra 521 510 -11 -2.1Dapto 1,272 1,271 -1 -0.1Goulburn 787 781 -6 -0.8Griffith 821 804 -17 -2.1Gungahlin 580 575 -5 -0.9Leeton 486 475 -11 -2.3Narooma 254 265 11 4.3Nowra 2,018 1,977 -41 -2.0Queanbeyan 623 616 -7 -1.1Shellharbour 1,595 1,562 -33 -2.1Tuggeranong 820 820 0 0.0Tumut 383 389 6 1.6Ulladulla 451 446 -5 -1.1Wagga 1,786 1,782 -4 -0.2Woden 604 606 2 0.3Wollongong 1,512 1,494 -18 -1.2Yass 131 131 0 0.0Young 610 600 -10 -1.6Other (a) 31 23 % %

Total 20,636 20,374 -262 -1.3

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

14

Table 7e - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

Northern Victoria Service Zone by Service Centre

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Airport West 1,261 1,276 15 1.2Albury 3,151 3,203 52 1.7Box Hill 1,930 2,003 73 3.8Broadmeadows 4,711 4,844 133 2.8Darebin 2,740 2,746 6 0.2Deniliquin 356 354 -2 -0.6Echuca 655 687 32 4.9Epping 3,119 3,153 34 1.1Greensborough 1,781 1,835 54 3.0Heidelberg 1,250 1,283 33 2.6Moreland 2,679 2,711 32 1.2Newmarket 1,849 1,804 -45 -2.4Seymour 764 779 15 2.0Shepparton 2,435 2,472 37 1.5Sth Melbourne 1,133 1,159 26 2.3Sunbury 993 997 4 0.4Wangaratta 1,642 1,653 11 0.7WAP Processing <20 21 na naWindsor Vic 2,279 2,308 29 1.3Yarra 2,352 2,357 5 0.2Other (a) na 88 na na

Total 37,175 37,733 558 1.5

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

15

Table 7f - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

Eastern Victoria Service Zone by Service Centre

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Bairnsdale 1,383 1,380 -3 -0.2Belgrave 496 504 8 1.6Boronia 1,211 1,206 -5 -0.4Cheltenham 1,793 1,761 -32 -1.8Cranbourne 2,160 2,148 -12 -0.6Dandenong 2,792 2,744 -48 -1.7Fountain Gate 2,175 2,235 60 2.8Frankston 2,713 2,612 -101 -3.7Glen Waverley 1,096 1,093 -3 -0.3Hastings 665 673 8 1.2Lilydale 1,476 1,465 -11 -0.7Mornington 543 523 -20 -3.7Morwell 3,662 3,576 -86 -2.3Oakleigh 1,673 1,660 -13 -0.8Pakenham 1,071 1,068 -3 -0.3Ringwood 2,030 2,030 0 0.0Rosebud 985 999 14 1.4Rowville 536 542 6 1.1Sale 1,184 1,159 -25 -2.1Springvale 2,038 2,046 8 0.4Warragul 848 852 4 0.5Wonthaggi 876 869 -7 -0.8Other (a) 60 52 % %

Total 33,466 33,197 -269 -0.8

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

16

Table 7g - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

West Victoria Service Zone by Service CentreOctober

2016November

2016Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Ararat 290 283 -7 -2.4Ballarat 3,708 3,707 -1 0.0Bendigo 3,501 3,497 -4 -0.1Colac 599 595 -4 -0.7Corio 1,965 1,959 -6 -0.3Footscray 1,737 1,762 25 1.4Geelong 3,328 3,242 -86 -2.6Hamilton 429 425 -4 -0.9Horsham 823 792 -31 -3.8Maryborough 762 763 1 0.1Melton 2,244 2,211 -33 -1.5Mildura 2,166 2,197 31 1.4Newport 1,111 1,116 5 0.5Portland 400 394 -6 -1.5Stawell 198 201 3 1.5Sunshine 3,675 3,706 31 0.8Swan Hill 872 859 -13 -1.5Warrnambool 1,011 995 -16 -1.6Watergardens 3,593 3,567 -26 -0.7Werribee 4,628 4,679 51 1.1Other (a) 67 63 % %

Total 37,107 37,013 -94 -0.3

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

17

Table 7h - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

Northern Queensland Service Zone by Service Centre

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Atherton 896 873 -23 -2.6Ayr 483 477 -6 -1.2Biloela 353 345 -8 -2.3Bowen 445 445 0 0.0Cairns Aplin 5,571 5,658 87 1.6Charters Towers 533 522 -11 -2.1Emerald 615 592 -23 -3.7Gladstone 2,161 2,168 7 0.3Indigenous Service Centre 1,947 1,991 44 2.3Ingham 367 360 -7 -1.9Innisfail 1,050 1,034 -16 -1.5Longreach 201 201 0 0.0Mackay 3,419 3,380 -39 -1.1Mareeba 982 996 14 1.4Mossman 623 625 2 0.3Mt Isa 1,001 998 -3 -0.3Normanton 170 176 6 3.5Nth Peninsula Remote Area Service Centre 214 218 4 1.9Palm Island 363 351 -12 -3.3Rockhampton 3,426 3,366 -60 -1.8Thursday Is 211 222 11 5.2TSV Ross River Rd 6,022 5,947 -75 -1.2Western Cape Remote Area Service Centre 501 502 1 0.2Whitsunday 655 634 -21 -3.2Yarrabah Remote Area Service Centre 513 513 0 0.0Yeppoon 862 860 -2 -0.2Other (a) 354 360 % %

Total 33,938 33,814 -124 -0.4

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

18

Table 7i - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

Central Queensland Service Zone by Service Centre

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Bundaberg 3,851 3,811 -40 -1.0Caboolture 4,164 4,114 -50 -1.2Caloundra 1,780 1,751 -29 -1.6Cherbourg 371 379 8 2.2Chermside 1,439 1,418 -21 -1.5Deception Bay 1,385 1,369 -16 -1.2Fortitude Valley 1,797 1,804 7 0.4Gympie 1,750 1,683 -67 -3.8Hervey Bay 2,330 2,289 -41 -1.8Kawana Waters 750 720 -30 -4.0Kingaroy 929 906 -23 -2.5Margate 1,423 1,441 18 1.3Maroochydore 1,811 1,809 -2 -0.1Maryborough 1,748 1,729 -19 -1.1Mitchelton 1,792 1,797 5 0.3Mt Gravatt 2,937 2,918 -19 -0.6Nambour 1,304 1,320 16 1.2Noosa 1,016 1,020 4 0.4Nundah 2,011 1,995 -16 -0.8South Brisbane 1,448 1,424 -24 -1.7Stones Corner 2,150 2,088 -62 -2.9Strathpine 2,256 2,235 -21 -0.9Toowong 1,329 1,331 2 0.2Other (a) 99 99 % %

Total 41,870 41,450 -420 -1.0

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

19

Table 7j - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

South Queensland Service Zone by Service Centre

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Beaudesert 855 847 -8 -0.9Beenleigh 3,257 3,244 -13 -0.4Biggera Waters 3,240 3,166 -74 -2.3Browns Plains 2,391 2,352 -39 -1.6Capalaba 1,059 1,053 -6 -0.6Charleville 309 314 5 1.6Cleveland 1,357 1,353 -4 -0.3Dalby 871 870 -1 -0.1Goodna 2,293 2,295 2 0.1Goondiwindi 415 403 -12 -2.9Inala 2,793 2,770 -23 -0.8Ipswich 4,429 4,387 -42 -0.9Nerang 3,566 3,489 -77 -2.2Palm Beach 3,705 3,581 -124 -3.3Roma 263 260 -3 -1.1South Queensland 42 38 % %Southport 609 601 -8 -1.3Stanthorpe 507 520 13 2.6Toowoomba 3,572 3,586 14 0.4Warwick 566 566 0 0.0Woodridge 3,106 3,064 -42 -1.4Wynnum 1,148 1,159 11 1.0Other (a) 41 39 % %

Total 40,394 39,957 -437 -1.1

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

20

Table 7k - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

South Australia Service Zone by Service Centre

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Berri 1,216 1,210 -6 -0.5Broken Hill 954 958 4 0.4Ceduna 379 380 1 0.3Coober Pedy 231 247 16 6.9Elizabeth 4,504 4,465 -39 -0.9Enfield 2,074 2,025 -49 -2.4Gawler 1,813 1,793 -20 -1.1Glenelg 1,096 1,073 -23 -2.1Kadina 925 912 -13 -1.4Kilkenny 1,877 1,853 -24 -1.3Marion 3,145 3,101 -44 -1.4Modbury 2,525 2,495 -30 -1.2Mt Barker 978 981 3 0.3Mt Gambier 1,576 1,548 -28 -1.8Murray Bridge 1,298 1,288 -10 -0.8Noarlunga 4,008 3,931 -77 -1.9Norwood 2,166 2,126 -40 -1.8Port Adelaide 1,893 1,827 -66 -3.5Port Augusta 1,077 1,058 -19 -1.8Port Lincoln 718 701 -17 -2.4Port Pirie 1,289 1,277 -12 -0.9Salisbury 4,402 4,314 -88 -2.0Torrensville 2,158 2,112 -46 -2.1Victor Harbor 925 911 -14 -1.5Whyalla 1,247 1,262 15 1.2Other (a) 31 25 % %

Total 44,505 43,873 -632 -1.4

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

21

Table 7l - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

Western Australia Service Zone by Service Centre

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

Albany 1,555 1,547 -8 -0.5Armadale 2,969 2,973 4 0.1Bunbury 3,358 3,364 6 0.2Busselton 1,607 1,599 -8 -0.5Cannington 3,228 3,202 -26 -0.8Carnarvon 475 494 19 4.0Esperance 417 412 -5 -1.2Fremantle 2,208 2,182 -26 -1.2Geraldton 2,299 2,327 28 1.2Gosnells 2,471 2,470 -1 0.0Innaloo 2,199 2,163 -36 -1.6Joondalup 4,137 4,210 73 1.8Kalgoorlie 1,071 1,048 -23 -2.1Karratha 579 592 13 2.2Laverton Remote Area Service Centre 245 241 -4 -1.6Mandurah 3,474 3,489 15 0.4Meekatharra 348 346 -2 -0.6Midland 3,713 3,755 42 1.1Mirrabooka 3,862 3,850 -12 -0.3Morley 3,623 3,623 0 0.0Newman Remote Area Service Centre 315 332 17 5.4Northam 1,623 1,607 -16 -1.0Rockingham 4,089 4,121 32 0.8South Hedland 630 693 63 10.0Success 2,188 2,238 50 2.3Victoria Park 3,885 3,807 -78 -2.0Warwick Grove 1,821 1,841 20 1.1Western Australia 52 50 % %Other (a) 136 129 % %

Total 58,577 58,705 128 0.2

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

22

Table 7m - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

Tasmania and North Australia Service Zones by Service Centre

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

TasmaniaBridgewater 1,130 1,151 21 1.9Burnie 1,570 1,597 27 1.7Devonport 1,597 1,610 13 0.8Glenorchy 1,841 1,834 -7 -0.4Hobart 1,771 1,792 21 1.2Huonville 461 484 23 5.0Launceston 4,611 4,628 17 0.4Rosny Park 1,741 1,707 -34 -2.0TAS Support Team 25 28 % %Other (a) 23 21 % %

Total 14,770 14,852 82 0.6

North AustraliaAlice Springs 1,121 1,151 30 2.7Angurugu RSC 181 188 7 3.9Borroloola 230 233 3 1.3Broome 839 828 -11 -1.3Casuarina 1,201 1,176 -25 -2.1Central Australia 2,681 2,716 35 1.3Darwin 473 471 -2 -0.4Derby 509 497 -12 -2.4Fitzroy Crossing 308 310 2 0.6Galiwinku RSC 359 374 15 4.2Halls Creek 352 365 13 3.7Hermannsburg RSC 107 114 7 6.5Katherine 522 537 15 2.9Kimberley Katherine 1,614 1,695 81 5.0Kununurra 355 408 53 14.9Maningrida 644 612 -32 -5.0Nhulunbuy 188 184 -4 -2.1Northern Region 1,776 1,851 75 4.2Palmerston 1,397 1,396 -1 -0.1Papunya RSC 70 73 % %Santa Teresa RSC 80 91 % %Tennant Creek 300 302 2 0.7Tiwi Islands 306 335 29 9.5Wadeye 409 355 -54 -13.2Yuendumu RSC 135 141 6 4.4Other (a) 31 27 % %

Total 16,188 16,430 242 1.5

Note: For footnotes see end of table.

23

Table 7n - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) By Service Zone and Service Centre

Other Service Zone by Service Centre and Australian Total

October 2016

November 2016

Variation Number

Variation Per Cent

OtherCentrelink Call Centres 622 573 % %Not Coded To A Zone 1,500 1,455 % %Rounding Adjustment -79 -62 % %

Australia 488,163 485,883 -2,280 -0.5

(a) Job seekers who are not allocated to any of the reported offices.

Notes: Variations for Service Centres with small populations (less than 100) are displayed as % and not reported. Data in this table are rounded monthly averages. In order to protect individuals' privacy, populations less than 20 for specific Service Centres are reported as "<20" and other data that

would allow these populations to be derived are reported as not available "na". Area Support Office boundaries changed to Service Zones from July 2011. The July 2011 edition of this publication includes a

description of the changes.

24

Table 8 - Job Seekers Receiving Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (Other) Fortnightly Earnings and Sex, Fortnight Ending 18 November 2016

Fortnightly EarningsShort-term job seekers

%

Long-term job seekers

%

Total job seekers

%

MalesDid not earn an income 84.2 81.6 82.6Earned an income 15.8 18.4 17.4

Amount earned$0.01 - $62.00 0.5 0.6 0.6$62.01 - $142.00 1.3 1.7 1.6$142.01 - $236.00 2.0 2.4 2.3$236.01 - $316.00 1.5 1.9 1.7Over $316.00 10.5 11.7 11.3

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0

Job seekers receiving NSA and YA (other) 103,584 174,243 277,827

FemalesDid not earn an income 74.6 71.4 72.3Earned an income 25.4 28.6 27.7

Amount earned$0.01 - $62.00 0.7 0.7 0.7$62.01 - $142.00 2.1 2.2 2.2$142.01 - $236.00 3.1 3.0 3.0$236.01 - $316.00 2.5 2.6 2.6Over $316.00 17.1 20.0 19.2

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0

Job seekers receiving NSA and YA (other) 58,314 148,098 206,412

PersonsDid not earn an income 80.7 76.9 78.2Earned an income 19.3 23.1 21.8

Amount earned$0.01 - $62.00 0.6 0.6 0.6$62.01 - $142.00 1.6 1.9 1.8$142.01 - $236.00 2.4 2.7 2.6$236.01 - $316.00 1.8 2.2 2.1Over $316.00 12.9 15.5 14.7

Total 100.0 100.0 100.0Job seekers receiving NSA and YA (other) 161,898 322,341 484,239

Note:- Long-term job seekers have received income support for 12 months or more.- The earnings data in Table 8 is derived using a different methodology from that of the other tables. Table 8 is based on the combined population of job seekers who are eligible for and entitled to receive Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance (other) at the end of the second last week in the month. The data obtained from this table will not be directly comparable with those calculated using monthly averages in other tables.

25

Explanatory Notes

IntroductionThis publication provides monthly statistical information on DSS labour market and related payments delivered by DHS. These Explanatory Notes provide details of the scope and methodology of the publication, as well as the policy changes which have affected the data since the publication was introduced in December 1995 by the then Department of Social Security.

Prior to December 1995, this publication was titled the Monthly Job Search and Newstart Allowance Statistics.

ScopeThe primary focus of the publication is to provide information on unemployed people on Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance, with a particular focus on the total number of job seekers. The numbers of people on Partner Allowance and Widow Allowance are also reported.

MethodologyData in this publication relate to the average number of people who are both eligible (e.g. meet ‘unemployed’ qualification) and entitled (e.g. meet income and assets criteria) to receive a payment calculated over a reference month. Averages are calculated using figures collected for each Friday throughout the reference month.

Table 1 provides information on the total number of unemployed people on Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance. The Youth Allowance population is split into Youth Allowance (full-time students), Youth Allowance (Australian Apprentices) and Youth Allowance (other) categories. Numbers of people on Partner Allowance and Widow Allowance are also provided.

Tables 2 and 3 provide a summary of the Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other) populations and show the derivation of the respective job seeker populations (see the reference to job seekers in the Comparability of Data section of these Explanatory Notes). These populations are added together to derive the total number of job seekers. Tables 4 to 8 provide information on the total job seeker population.

The earnings data in Table 8 is derived using a different methodology from that of the other tables in the publication. Table 8 is based on the combined population of job seekers who are eligible for and entitled to receive Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance (other) at the end of the second last week in the month. The data obtained from this table will not be directly comparable with those calculated using monthly averages in other tables.

Payment History

Youth AllowanceThe maximum age for Youth Allowance (other) was increased for new claimants from 20 to 21 years of age from 1 July 2012 and the income free area was increased to $143.

26

From 1 January 2016, to receive Youth Allowance (other) young people without a Year 12 or equivalent qualification (Certificate III) will need to participate in :

approved full-time study, or a combination of 25 hours a week of approved part-time study and part-time work , or other approved activities of 25* hours per week, in addition to up to 20 job searches each

month (noting that it is * 15 hours a week for early school leavers with a partial capacity to work or who are principal carer parents and have part-time requirements)

until they attain Year 12 or equivalent, or a Certificate III, or turn 22 years of age.

Earn or learn arrangements were phased in, applying from 1 July 2009 to all new recipients of Youth Allowance and from 1 July 2010 for all job seekers in receipt of Youth Allowance prior to 1 July 2009.

From 1 July 1998 Youth Allowance was introduced to provide income support to young people, including students, those looking for work, and those who are sick. Youth allowees may be undertaking full-time study, full-time job search or a combination of approved activities. Some young people will be exempt from the activity test because of their personal circumstances, e.g. illness, homelessness or major personal crisis. The Youth Allowance replaced:

AUSTUDY for 16-24 year olds (and certain 15 year olds); Newstart Allowance for 16-20 year olds (and certain 15 year olds); Youth Training Allowance for 16-17 year olds (and certain 15 year olds); Sickness Allowance for 16-20 year olds (and certain 15 year olds); and More-than-minimum rate Family Payment for secondary students aged 16-18 not getting

AUSTUDY.

Special provisions applied for 18 to 20 year olds who were already on Newstart or Sickness Allowance at the date of announcement of Youth Allowance, and who remained on payment when Youth Allowance commenced on 1 July 1998. This group were able to remain on their existing payment and retain their existing benefits.

Youth Allowance had a significant downward effect on Newstart Allowance numbers from July 1998 and total job seeker numbers due to the parental means test.

Newstart AllowanceOn 1 January 2013, grandfathering provisions ceased for Parenting Payment recipients who had been receiving payment prior to 1 July 2006 and had a youngest child aged 6+ years (partnered recipients) or 8+ years (single recipients). The change caused a large one-off increase in the number of Newstart Allowees, as previously grandfathered Parenting Payment recipients who were eligible transferred to Newstart Allowance.On 1 July 2012, the qualification age for Newstart Allowance was increased for new claimants from 21 to 22 years of age.

From 1 July 1998, Newstart Allowance for 16-20 year olds (and certain 15 year olds) was replaced by Youth Allowance. Young people aged 18 to 20 years old who were on Newstart or Sickness Allowance at the date of announcement of Youth Allowance and when Youth Allowance commenced on 1 July 1998, were able to remain on Newstart Allowance.

27

From 20 October 1996, Job Search Allowance and Newstart Allowance were combined into one payment - Newstart Allowance - which was payable to eligible recipients aged 18 years and over and to some people who were in receipt of Job Search Allowance and aged under 18 at 31 December 1994 (see Job Search Allowance).

Prior to 20 October 1996, Newstart Allowance was payable to eligible persons over 18 years who had been registered as unemployed with the Commonwealth Employment Service (CES) for 12 months or more.

Job Search AllowanceFrom 20 October 1996, the payment was combined with Newstart Allowance to form one payment called Newstart Allowance (see Newstart Allowance). All Job Search Allowance recipients were transferred to Newstart Allowance.

Sickness AllowanceFrom 17 March 1996, persons in receipt of Newstart Allowance or Youth Training Allowance who became temporarily incapacitated no longer transferred to Sickness Allowance after 13 weeks. This change had the effect of increasing total Newstart Allowance/Youth Training Allowance figures but did not affect job seeker figures as those recipients who were incapacitated were excluded from the Newstart and Youth Training job seeker populations.

Under current arrangements, these recipients remain on their existing payments but are exempt from the activity test for the duration of their medical certificates. People who become unemployed because of illness, and those who suffer a potential loss of income due to sickness, are paid Newstart Allowance because they are unemployed.

Sickness Allowance for 16 to 20 year olds (and certain 15 year olds) was replaced by Youth Allowance, which was introduced on 1 July 1998 (see Youth Allowance).

Partner AllowanceFrom 20 October 2003, Partner Allowance was closed to new claimants. People on Partner Allowance before this date can remain on the allowance while they remain ‘current’, that is retain eligibility and entitlement for the allowance.

From 1 July 1995 Partner Allowance has only been granted to persons who are dependent partners of pensioners and allowees and who were born before 1 July 1955, have no dependent children and have little or no recent workforce experience. Other dependent partners have to qualify for an income support payment in their own right, such as Newstart Allowance.Partner Allowance was introduced in October 1994, and was paid to partners of persons receiving Job Search Allowance, Newstart Allowance, Sickness Allowance or Special Benefit if certain eligibility criteria were satisfied.

28

Youth Training AllowanceYouth Training Allowance was replaced by Youth Allowance on 1 July 1998 (see Youth Allowance).

Widow AllowanceFrom 1 July 2005 Widow Allowance new grants may only be made to women born on or before 1 July 1955.

Widow Allowance, introduced on 1 January 1995, is payable to females aged 50 years or over who have become widowed, divorced or separated since turning 40 years (50 prior to 20 March 1997), if they meet a number of other criteria relating to current marital status and recent work experience.

Mature Age AllowanceFrom 20 October 2003, Mature Age Allowance was closed to new claimants. The payment ceased by October 2008.

Mature Age Allowance was introduced on 24 March 1994, and was paid to long-term unemployed persons aged 60 years and over (but below Age Pension age) who had been receiving income support for 9 months or more and who were eligible for Newstart Allowance. The introduction of Mature Age Allowance had a downwards effect on Newstart Allowance numbers from April 1994 until October 2003.

Comparability of DataThere have been significant changes to the data presented in this publication due to a number of events. The main changes are: the method of counting recipients; the inclusion of some CDEP recipients in the total recipient numbers; the introduction of Youth Allowance in July 1998; the way ‘job seeker’ is defined; the way duration is calculated; the eligibility for Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other) from July 2012; the cessation of grandfathered Parenting Payment provisions, which saw an increase in

the number of Newstart recipients in January 2013; and the introduction of jobactive, an employment services model with a stronger focus on job

search, which replaced Job Services Australia on 1 July 2015.

People using this data to construct time series should note the following comments.

Definition of RecipientsFrom July 2002, the number of people receiving labour market and related payments reports recipients who are both eligible and entitled to receive a payment. These recipients are otherwise known as ‘current’ recipients.

29

Revised historical data (using this methodology) from May 1998 to June 2002 is in the July 2002 publication.

Due to improved data sources, data from July 2003 has slight differences from the recipient numbers used in previous editions.

Before July 2002, all recipients who received a payment within a given fortnight were counted. From mid 1998, recipients who received a ‘one-off’ payment were excluded. One-off payments can occur, for instance, when a normal payment is interrupted (e.g. payment is cancelled and then restored within that pay period) and a portion of the normal payment is paid.

Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP)From 20 March 2000, eligible participants in CDEP started receiving CDEP participant supplement and other add-ons, such as rent assistance, as part of income support payments. This added a number of new recipients to those eligible for payments reported in this publication. Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) ceased on 30 June 2015.

Introduction of Youth AllowanceThe sum of the number of Newstart Allowees and Youth Training Allowees prior to July 1998 is broadly comparable with the sum of Newstart Allowees and Youth Allowees (other) after July 1998, other than the inclusion of Sickness Allowees in the Youth Allowance (other) population.

There is greater comparability between total Newstart Allowance and Youth Training Allowance job seekers prior to July 1998 and total Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other) job seekers after July 1998. This is because the Sickness Allowance group is excluded from the job seeker total.

A pre and post July 1998 comparison will reflect the exclusion of some 18 to 20 year old unemployed people due to the application of the Youth Allowance parental means test (see the Youth Allowance section under Payment History).

Job seekersFrom July 2009, all recipients with job search requirements are classified as job seekers in this report.

Prior to 1 July 2009, some people with another activity (such as training) in addition to job search were classified according to that other activity and not as job seekers. Other people who were receiving Intensive Support Customised Assistance under Job Network arrangements were classified as job seekers although they may not always have been undertaking job search.

From July 1998, the definition of job seekers excludes all people who did not receive a payment due to their own and/or their partner’s income, or where applicable, parental income, and those known not to be required to search for work.

30

Before July 1998, job seekers excluded allowees who did not receive a payment, allowees who were incapacitated, and allowees who were undertaking training. Some people who were not required to search for work were classified as job seekers, including people undertaking full-time voluntary work, people on jury duty and pregnant women around the time of the birth of their child.

DurationDuration refers to duration on income support and includes time spent on other income support payments.

Since May 1998, duration has been defined according to the time a recipient spends on income support - short-term recipients are those who have been on income support for up to 12 months and long-term recipients are those who have been on income support for 12 months or more.

Prior to 1998, duration was defined according to the time a recipient was registered as unemployed - short-term recipients were people who were registered as unemployed for up to 12 months and long-term recipients were people who were registered for 12 months or more.

Symbolsn.a. not available.. not applicable

31

Glossary

Activity test statusThe activity that a Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance (other) recipient has agreed to undertake in order to meet the activity test. To satisfy the activity test recipients must be actively seeking and willing to take up work or undertaking activities to improve their employment prospects.

AgeAge in years at time of data collection.

Area Support OfficeThe term Area Support Office was replaced by Service Zone in July 2011.

Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP)Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) ceased on 30 June 2015.

The CDEP program was administered by the Department of Social Services. Reforms to CDEP were introduced from 1 July 2009. Operating mainly in remote areas, the CDEP program aimed to help unemployed Indigenous Australians to find and keep jobs. Under the CDEP program, there were two main ways (‘streams’) that CDEP providers assisted Indigenous Australians: Work Readiness Services help individuals to develop their skills, improve their chances of getting a job, and move to work outside of the CDEP program; and Community Development focused on supporting and developing Indigenous communities and organisations.

CDEP Participant Supplement (CPS)The CDEP Participant Supplement (CPS) is payable to eligible CDEP participants. It can be paid fortnightly or as a 12 weekly payment. Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) ceased on 30 June 2015.

Customer Service CentreCustomer Service Centre was replaced by the term Service Centre in July 2011.

Did not receive a paymentPersons who did not receive a payment due to their own income and/or that of their partner, or parents, where applicable. This group is often referred to as ‘zero paid’.

Fortnightly earningsAmount of income earned, derived, or received by a person for the person's own use or benefit in the previous fortnight.

32

IncapacitatedA person on Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance (other) who has an activity test status indicating they are temporarily ill or incapacitated. Refer to the entry for Sickness Allowance in the Explanatory Notes.

Job seekerA person on Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance (other) who would usually be engaged in job search. See Explanatory Notes for definition and history.

Long-term recipientsPersons who have been receiving income support for 12 months or more. Duration of long-term recipients can be reset to zero if they exited from payments for more than 13 weeks.

Newstart Allowance (NSA) Newstart Allowance is payable to eligible unemployed persons aged 22 years and over (but below Age Pension age) who satisfy the activity test. See Explanatory Notes for history.

Partner Allowance (PA)From 20 October 2003, Partner Allowance was closed to new claimants. People on Partner Allowance before this date can remain on the allowance while they remain ‘current’, that is retain eligibility and entitlement for the allowance.

Partner Allowance was for dependent partners of pensioners and allowees. Partners had to be born before 1 July 1955, have no dependent children and have little or no recent workforce experience. Partner Allowance had no job search requirement. See Explanatory Notes for history.

Service CentreA DHS Service Centre that provides DSS and other payments and related information and services to recipients. Service Centres are managed by Service Zones.

Service ZoneA set of Service Centres, grouped together for operational purposes on a geographic basis. Service Zones replaced Areas and Area Support Offices in July 2011.

Short-term recipientsPersons on Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance who have been receiving income support for less than 12 months. Duration of short-term recipients can be reset to zero if they exited from payments for more than 6 weeks.

33

Widow Allowance (WA)From 1 July 2005 Widow Allowance new grants may only be made to women born on or before 1 July 1955.

Widow Allowance, a non-activity tested payment, is payable to females aged 50 years or over who have become widowed, divorced or separated since turning 40 years if they have little or no recent work experience and meet a number of other criteria relating to current marital status. See Explanatory Notes for history.

Youth Training Allowance (YTA)From 1 January 1995 eligible persons aged under 18 years who were registered as unemployed with the CES were paid Youth Training Allowance. From 1 July 1998, Youth Training Allowance was replaced by Youth Allowance. See Explanatory Notes for history.

Youth Allowance (YA)Youth Allowance is payable to eligible full-time students aged 16 to 25 years, and to eligible unemployed persons aged 16 to 21 years who satisfy the activity test. Note, there are certain exceptions for some 15 and 25 year olds. See Explanatory Notes for history.

Youth Allowees may be undertaking full-time study, full-time job search or a combination of approved activities. Some young people will be exempt from the activity test because of their personal circumstances, e.g. illness, homelessness or major personal crisis. See the Explanatory Notes for more information.

To receive Youth Allowance young people under 22 years of age without a Year 12 or equivalent qualification will usually need to:

participate in education and training full-time; or participate full-time (that is, for at least 25 hours a week) in part-time study or training, in

combination with other approved activities, until they attain Year 12 or an equivalent Certificate Level II or above qualification.

Youth Allowance (other)Youth Allowance recipients who are not full-time students or full-time Australian Apprentices.

Zero paidSee ‘Did not receive a payment’.

34

Appendix

Comparisons Between DSS Unemployment Labour Market Payment Numbers And ABS Labour Force Unemployment Statistics

Official statisticsOfficial unemployment statistics are released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The ABS uses definitions recommended by the International Labour Organization which have been accepted internationally as the most appropriate for the compilation of official statistics of unemployment.

ABS definitionThe ABS unemployment statistics measure the number of persons who, for a particular reference period, did not undertake any paid work, were actively looking for work and were available to start work.

DSS Unemployment Labour Market Payment StatisticsThe labour market payment statistics give the number of persons who are both eligible and entitled to receive Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance (other). The criteria for receipt of these payments do not match those the ABS uses to determine whether a person is classed as unemployed or employed for statistical purposes.

DifferencesCare should be taken when comparing the ABS labour force and DSS labour market payment data. There are a number of reasons why the two series cannot be directly compared.

DurationBoth DSS and the ABS classify long-term duration as over 12 months, but use substantially different definitions of duration:

DSS measures duration of income support. This includes not just time on unemployment benefits but time on any income support payment.

The ABS measures length of time unemployed using their unemployment definition.

DSS unemployed recipients can have breaks without payment and still be classified as long-term income support recipients:

Recipients who do not receive a payment due to their earnings can have up to 12 weeks without a payment before they are automatically cancelled. This reduces disincentives to accept short-term work.

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Long-term recipients can have 13 weeks off payment after payment is cancelled and keep their long-term status if they return to income support. This means they keep access to assistance such as the higher payment rate for recipients over 60.

For the ABS statistics, any hours of work for a period as short as two weeks count as a break from unemployment and so are enough to reset a person’s unemployment duration.

The difference between these two concepts, together with the fact that DSS recipients are able to have ongoing part-time work (see ‘employment’ below) mean that many unemployed recipients remain classified by DSS as long-term recipients when they would be classified as short-term unemployed under the ABS definition.

Seasonal adjustmentThe ABS produces a seasonally adjusted series. The DSS labour market payment numbers data are not seasonally adjusted.

ClassificationThe ABS classifies a person as unemployed if he or she is aged 15 years and over, was not employed during the week before the interview, has actively looked for full-time or part-time work and is available to start work. From February 2004, people who had not actively looked for work because they were waiting to start a job within four weeks are also classified as unemployed.

The Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other) series generally count people who are eligible for and entitled to receive a payment aged over 15 years and under Age Pension age.

EmploymentNewstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other) recipients may be employed part-time, but within an income test limit; the ABS classifies a person as "employed" if, among other things, he or she has worked for one hour or more during the survey period.

TimingThe timing of collections of the series are different:

DSS reports monthly average numbers of people both eligible for and entitled to receive Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other). These monthly averages are calculated using figures collected for each Friday throughout the reference month.

ABS numbers are based on a sample survey which interviews occupants of selected dwellings covering around 0.33% of the total Australian population. These persons are generally interviewed during the two weeks beginning the Sunday between the 5th and 11th of each month and the information obtained relates to the week before the interview takes place.

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Treatment of partnersThe ABS series includes unemployed persons whose spouse is working, irrespective of income, whereas Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other) recipients are subject to an income and assets test for themselves and their spouse.

PensionersThe ABS series includes persons being paid a pension but looking for work (e.g. sole parents in receipt of Parenting Payments looking for work).

Non job seekersThe overall Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other) series includes persons who are not required to undertake jobsearch. These persons are separately identified in Tables 2 and 3, and have then been excluded in subsequent tables. These people may be undertaking training, the development of self-employment opportunities, full-time voluntary work or a combination of voluntary and part-time work which excludes them from jobsearch obligations. They may also be incapacitated or have another temporary exemption from jobsearch.

Waiting periodsThe ABS series includes persons who are serving a waiting period before being granted Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance (other), or whose allowance was deferred.

SurveyThe ABS figures are derived from a Labour Force Survey which is a sample survey, whereas the DSS statistics are a complete count of those both eligible for and entitled to receive Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance (other).

See also: The Australian Bureau of Statistics release “6105.0 - Australian Labour Market Statistics, July 2014 – The unemployed and recipients of Government unempolyment benfits - differences explained” <http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/6105.0Feature%20Article54July%202014?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=6105.0&issue=July%202014&num=&view=>

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For More Information

Other recipient informationThe Department of Social Services publishes statistics about the various pensions, benefits and family payments which the Department administers, on a quarterly basis on the Australian Government’s centralised data publishing site, data.gov.au (http://www.data.gov.au/organization/about/department-of-social-services). Historical data is available in a statistical overview available on the Department’s website, DSS - Statistical Paper Series (<http://www.dss.gov.au/about-the-department/publications-articles/research-publications/statistical-paper-series>).

Labour market informationOther statistics on recipients of labour market related payments are available on request.

In addition to Newstart and Youth Allowances, statistics are also available on Partner Allowance, Parenting Payment, Sickness Allowance, ABSTUDY and Widow Allowance.

For enquiries email:IncomeSupportInformation@dss.gov.au

Written correspondence concerning this publication or statistics on labour market related payments should be addressed to:

DirectorIncome Support Information Social Security Performance and Analysis BranchSocial Policy GroupDepartment of Social ServicesGPO Box 9820Canberra, ACT, 2601

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