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Activity Agreement:

What is Preparing for Work and how does an Activity Agreement fit in?

Preparing for Work is a four-step programme to help you back into the workplace. It includes:

• assessment of your situation and needs
• the development of an Activity Agreement detailing appropriate activities to improve your chances of finding work
• referral by Centrelink to available programmes to increase your chances of finding work
• follow up, or regular review of your progress.

What is an Activity Agreement?

Your Mutual Obligation responsibilities are spelt out in your Activity Agreement. This agreement is negotiated between you and the Centrelink Customer Service Adviser when your payment is granted or with an employment service provider or Community Work Coordinator.

Your Activity Agreement helps to identify your individual needs. By undertaking each of the activities outlined in your agreement you will give yourself the best chance of becoming employed and independent.

Factors considered in the negotiation include:

• your education, skills, experience, age and physical condition
• local labour market conditions
• the availability of training facilities.

What activities are included in an Activity Agreement?

Activities that may be contained in an agreement include:

• intensive job search
• vocational education or training
• paid work experience
• participation in a labour market programme
• participation in a Work for the Dole project
• medical treatment or rehabilitation
• other activities that you may propose, such as voluntary work, if they are considered appropriate by Centrelink or you employment service provider.

Do I need to enter into an Activity Agreement?

You must be prepared to negotiate and enter into an Activity Agreement as one of your conditions of payment if you are asked to do so.

What happens if I don't keep to the terms of my Activity Agreement?

If you refuse to enter an Activity Agreement or if you don't meet the terms of your Preparing for Work Agreement, and you do not have a reasonable excuse, you will not have met one of the conditions of your payment. In these situations your payment may be stopped and you may get a participation or serious failure.

Can I appeal if I get a participation or serious failure for not meeting my Activity Agreement?

Yes, you always have the right to appeal any decision made by Centrelink. For more information about how to have a decision looked at again, go to Reviews and Appeals.

More Information?

For more information about activity test and participation requirements, view the Activity test and participation requirements for job seekers Factsheet.