SOUTH AUSTRALIA WORKS

37 Mr GRIFFITHS (Goyder) (10 July 2007).

1. Why was there a decline in mature aged people participating in 'SA Works' programs in 2006-07?

2. Why is the number of participants in 'SA Works' programs expected to decrease by 5,358 in 2007-08?

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Youth, Minister for Gambling):

1. The target which was identified for mature aged people to participate in 'SA Works' programs in both 2005-06 and 2006-07 was 3,050 people.

This target was significantly exceeded in 2005-06 (with 4,510 participants), while the estimated result for 2006-07 is consistent with the target of assisting 3,050 participants. The main reasons for exceeding the 2005-06 target are:

The 'Parents Return to Work Program' was oversubscribed during 2005-06 by nearly 700 participants. The program was subsequently realigned to maximise State Government funds by targeting people who were not receiving Commonwealth Government assistance;

Improvements to the Employment 40 Plus Infoline website in 2006-07 provided a more efficient service for mature aged people;

The Employment Assistance Program assisted 1,107 mature-aged participants, exceeding the 2005-06 participant target by 587. In 2006-07, the program was refocussed to better target cohorts from the 'SA Works' priority areas, and also broaden targets to include migrants and people with a disability; and

During 2005-06, one-off industry projects were funded to assist industry sectors meet immediate workforce needs, also increasing participation and employment outcomes for mature-aged people in 2005-06.

The participant target for 'SA Works' programs in 2007-08 is higher than the participant target set for 2006-07 and 2005-06 financial years. The reasons it is lower than the 2005-06 actual participant result are:

The 2007-08 participant target does not include data for the Labour Market Adjustment Program. This is a demand-driven program which provides support to workers as a result of redundancies or closures in an industry. In 2005-06, 2,004 participants were assisted, and in 2006-07 it is estimated 866 will be assisted;

A number of 'SA Works' programs exceeded their targets with additional funding of $4.4 million from external sources, including the Commonwealth Government;

Collaboration with the Employment and Skills Formation Networks and community-based service providers resulted in additional resources, which augmented participant outcomes; and

Additional participant outcomes from one-off industry initiatives funded through the 'SA Works' Workforce Development Fund and SA Works in the Regions, contributed to the significant effort in 2005-06.