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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 14 Hansard (12 December) . . Page.. 4955 ..

CES services and where the ACT Government should be positioned to be effective.

As well as a performance based contract, MBC will also be assisted by an Advisory Committee comprising the Regional Manager of the CES; staff of the Business Development Branch; one member of the local business community; and one community member. The performance based contract will require realistic and achievable outcomes to be monitored closely by staff of the Business Development Branch.

2. The performance based contract is presently being finalised. A full copy of the performance based contract will be available upon request when finalised.

3. The `Working Connections' contract with MBC will provide a new style approach in assisting the unemployed in the ACT. A minimum of 500 clients will progress through the Program in the first year. A significant component of the `Working Connection' Program is extensive client training to ensure that not only casual job placement opportunities are available, but the opportunity exists for clients to further train for long-term employment prospects. These clients will be adequately trained in domestic and commercial cleaning; home maintenance; and for those seeking long-term employment opportunities, a range of programs will be available for personal skill building and technology skill building will be available.

The new `Working Connections' service will require payment to clients set as per award rates; each client will be covered by public liability insurance; and there will be compliance with regulatory requirements ie taxation and superannuation.

4. `Working Connections' Program is designed to particularly target the long-term unemployed or those deemed to be disadvantaged in the ACT job market. This program does not discriminate against any member of the community who is unemployed, whether short-term or long-term unemployed. However, the Program will not duplicate existing programs and this is the reason for the close association with the CES and the general overseeing of the Program by the Advisory Committee.

5. Quarterly reports will be required as per the performance based contract entered into with the Government, and will be available on request.

6. It is anticipated that a minimum of 500 clients will be provided with not only a range of casual job opportunities but with adequate and professional training to assist them into long-term employment opportunities. The MBC is a well known and respected organisation in the community and has a management and staff committed to providing employment opportunities for the ACT community. It is not the intention of Government to place unrealistic outcomes or pressure on

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