5738 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

5738 (2024). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How will the Minister ensure, if at all, that disabled people or people with health conditions that exit the benefit due to the Government's 50,000 jobseeker benefit reduction target do not face negative health impacts as a result?

Hon Louise Upston: This Government is focused on supporting people who can work into employment and lifting employment outcomes. Jobseeker Support – Health Condition or Disability (JS-HCD) clients are expected to meet work preparation or part-time work obligations whilst on benefit, depending on their medical condition and capacity for work, which is determined by a health practitioner. Clients with a health condition or disability will only receive full-time work obligations if a health practitioner determines that the client has capacity for full-time work, and if further support is required thereafter (e.g., if their health worsens) when they are in employment, then the client can re-apply for Jobseeker Support on the grounds of their health condition or disability.