Appendices
- Appendix A: Significance limits
- Appendix B: Exemption reasons
- Appendix C: Customer letters for 'entry' interview for VLTUP, MAPP and WFP groups
- Appendix D: Sites selected for the Welfare Reform Pilots
- Appendix E: Welfare Reform Pilot intervention group - Entry questionnaire
Appendix A: Significance limits
| Sample size (n) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Proportion of sample (%) |
1800 |
1000 |
800 |
600 |
400 |
200 |
100 |
0.9 |
1% |
2% |
2% |
2% |
3% |
4% |
6% |
0.8 |
2% |
3% |
3% |
3% |
4% |
6% |
8% |
0.7 |
2% |
3% |
3% |
4% |
5% |
6% |
9% |
0.6 |
2% |
3% |
3% |
4% |
5% |
7% |
10% |
0.5 |
2% |
3% |
4% |
4% |
5% |
7% |
10% |
0.4 |
2% |
3% |
3% |
4% |
5% |
7% |
10% |
0.3 |
2% |
3% |
3% |
4% |
5% |
6% |
9% |
0.2 |
2% |
3% |
3% |
3% |
4% |
6% |
8% |
0.1 |
1% |
2% |
2% |
2% |
3% |
4% |
6% |
This table is based on the Simple Random Sample (SRS) formulae for the calculation of variances, ie. pq/n. Note that the significance limits relate to the sample size on which an estimated proportion is based.
As an example of the use of this table, the proportion of Very Long-term Unemployed participants who were currently looking for work was estimated to be 73% and was based on a sample of 728 respondents. The closest proportion in the table to 73% is 0.7 and the closest sample size is 800. Where 0.7 and 800 intersect gives a significance limit of 3%. That is, we are 95% sure that the true value is (73% +/- 3%) or between 70% and 76%.
Appendix B: Exemption reasons
| Exemption Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
Bereavement |
An exemption of up to 4 weeks can be granted. Every attempt should be made to reschedule |
Illness/Injury/Disability |
If evidence is provided for the full period an exemption can be granted. |
Caring responsibilities |
Exemption should only be granted if customer cannot attend the office during office hours for full period. |
Domestic violence |
An exemption of up to 4 weeks can be granted. Every attempt should be made to reschedule. |
Homelessness |
An exemption of up to 4 weeks can be granted. Every attempt should be made to reschedule. |
Advanced pregnancy |
An exemption from the pilots should be given to customers in these circumstances. |
Major household disruption |
Exemption can be granted for up to 2 weeks following and event. Every attempt should be made to reschedule. |
Jury duty |
Exemptions can be granted for customers attending jury duty. Every attempt should be made to reschedule. |
Community service orders |
If the hours preclude attendance during office hours an exemption may be granted. Every attempt should be made to reschedule. |
Location and transport |
If live more than 90 minutes by public transport, or live more than 6 k's with no public or private transport can be exempt. |
Refugees |
May be granted exemption for the first 13 weeks after arriving in Australia. |
Full-time education |
If contact hours preclude attendance they may be exempt. |
Appendix C: Customer letters for 'entry' interview for VLTUP, MAPP and WFP groups
VLTU Pilot
Dear (name)
I am writing to you to let you know you are required to attend an interview to discuss employment assistance options that may be available to you and to check that you are getting the right amount of Newstart Allowance. We will also discuss with you any plans you may have for the future and how we can help you.
As part of a new pilot programme, we are especially interested in finding out more about people in situations similar to yours and whether they might like more help in getting access to services that are helpful to them. This pilot programme is confidential.
At this interview you will be required to negotiate and sign a Preparing for Work Agreement which will include activities you will undertake in order to maximise your chances of finding work.
If you do not attend this interview or make other arrangements, your payments will be stopped and a penalty will apply when you reclaim payments. If your payments are stopped we will write to you about this.
You need to ring the Centrelink Call Centre on XXXX within the next 14 days to make an appointment with a customer service officer. If, after you have booked an appointment, you cannot attend the interview please get in touch with us as soon as possible to make new arrangements. Our address and phone number are at the top of this letter.
If you have a Jobseeker diary, please bring it and this letter to the interview.
MAPP Pilot - Compulsory interview
Dear (name)
I am writing to you to let you know that you are required to attend an interview to discuss your (benefit type) and to check that you are getting the right amount of (benefit type). If you do not attend this interview your (benefit type) may be stopped. If your payments are stopped, we will write to you about this.
When you come to the interview, we will see whether we could be giving you more help, as part of a new pilot programme.
When people are over 50 years of age, it can sometimes be difficult to break into employment or training opportunities. We are looking at ways to make that easier. For this reason, we are also keen to help people achieve other goals, such as personal development and community involvement. This discussion will help you find out more about the different types of programmes and activities of interest to you.
While you must attend this interview to have your payment checked, further involvement in this pilot programme is voluntary. The pilot programme is confidential and free from cost and obligation. You need to ring the Centrelink Call Centre on XXXX within the next 14 days to book an appointment with a customer service officer. If, after you have booked an appointment, you cannot attend the interview please get in touch with us as soon as possible to make new arrangements. Our address and phone number are at the top of this letter.
If you have a Jobseeker Diary, please bring this with you.
MAPP Pilot - Voluntary interview
Dear (name)
I am writing to offer you the opportunity to come and talk to a customer service officer, to see whether we could be giving you more help. We are interested in finding out if you might like help in getting access to services that may be useful to you.
When people are over 50 years of age, it can sometimes be difficult to break into employment or training opportunities. As part of a pilot programme we are looking at ways to make that easier. However, we are also keen to help people achieve other goals, such as personal development and community involvement.
This discussion will help you find out more about the different types of programmes and activities that may be of interest to you.
The service we provide to you in this pilot programme is confidential and your participation is voluntary. Please ring xxxx within the next 14 days to make a time to talk to one of our customer service officers.
If, after you have booked an appointment, you cannot attend the interview please get in touch with us as soon as possible to make new arrangements. Our address and phone number are at the top of this letter.
Workless Families Pilot - Letter requesting couples to attend interview together
Dear (name)
My name is (name). I am a Centrelink specialist customer adviser and my job is to help couples who don't have paid work to start thinking about their future plans. There are many ways that couples can work together to combine looking after children with planning for future jobs. I can talk to you about making the most of the opportunities that exist now for you, and help you to make a plan that suits you both.
I have arranged an interview with you and your partner
at: Centrelink (address of office)
At (time) on (day and date).
The request for you to attend the office at the time stated above is made under section 63 of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999. It is important to note that if you do not attend this interview your (benefit type) may be stopped and a penalty applied.
I have sent a similar appointment letter to your partner.
At the interview I will check both your details to make sure you are getting all the assistance you are entitled to. As part of a new pilot programme, I will also be available to discuss with you both, your plans for the future and how I can help you. If you wish to bring your children along, that is fine. Whilst you must attend this interview to have your payment details checked, further involvement in this pilot is voluntary. This pilot programme is confidential and free from cost or obligation.
In order for this interview to be of most benefit to your family, I need to talk to you and your partner together. If the interview time is not suitable for either you or your partner, please ring me to make another time. If you have very strong reasons for not being interviewed with your partner, please ring me about this.
I can be contacted on (Phone Number). If you don't have a phone and need to use a public phone or a friend's phone, the best time to ring me is between (time) and (time) on (days).
The total interview should take around 70 minutes. You do not need to bring anything except this letter with you. When you arrive at the office, please hand this letter to the officer at reception.
Workless Families Pilot - Letter requesting Parenting Payment (Partnered) to attend interview alone
Dear (name)
My name is (name). I am a Centrelink specialist customer adviser and my job is to help families who don't have paid work to start thinking about their future plans. There are many ways that couples can work together to combine looking after children with planning for future jobs. I can talk to you about making the most of the opportunities that exist now for you, and help you to make a plan that suits your family.
I have arranged an interview with you at:
Centrelink (address of office)
At (time) on (day and date).
The request for you to attend the office at the time stated above is made under section 63 of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999. It is important to note that if you do not attend this interview your Parenting Payment may be stopped.
At the interview I will check your details to make sure you are getting all the assistance you are entitled to. As part of a new pilot programme, I will also be available to discuss with you your plans for the future and how I can help you. If you wish to bring your children along, that is fine. Whilst you must attend this interview to have your payment details checked, further involvement in this pilot is voluntary. This pilot programme is confidential and free from cost or obligation.
In order for this interview to be of most benefit to your family, I need to talk to you and your partner together. If the interview time is not suitable for either you or your partner, please ring me to make another time. If you have very strong reasons for not being interviewed with your partner, please ring me about this.
I can be contacted on (Phone Number). If you don't have a phone and need to use a public phone or a friend's phone, the best time to ring me is between (time) and (time) on (days).
The total interview should take around 45 minutes. You do not need to bring anything except this letter with you. When you arrive at the office, please hand this letter to the officer at reception.
Workless Families Pilot - Letter requesting Parenting Payment (Single or Partnered) customers to attend interview alone
Dear (name)
My name is (name). I am a Centrelink specialist customer adviser and my job is to help people on parenting payment who don't have paid work to start thinking about their future plans. It doesn't matter how old your children are now - it is still important to consider your options and choices to improve your financial situation either now, or perhaps later when the children are older. I can talk to you about making the most of the opportunities that exist now for you, and help you to make a plan for the future that suits you and your family.
I have arranged an interview with you at:
Centrelink (address of office)
At (time) on (day and date).
The request for you to attend the office at the time stated above is made under section 63 of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999. It is important to note that if you do not attend this interview your Parenting Payment may be stopped.
At the interview I will check your details to make sure you are getting all the assistance you are entitled to. As part of a new pilot programme, I will also be available to discuss with you your plans for the future and how I can help you. If you wish to bring your children along, that is fine. Whilst you must attend this interview to have your payment details checked, further involvement in this pilot is voluntary. This pilot programme is confidential and free from cost or obligation.
If the interview time is not suitable for either you or your partner, please ring me to make another time. If you have very strong reasons for not being interviewed with your partner, please ring me about this.
I can be contacted on (Phone Number). If you don't have a phone and need to use a public phone or a friend's phone, the best time to ring me is between (time) and (time) on (days).
The total interview should take around 45 minutes. You do not need to bring anything except this letter with you. When you arrive at the office, please hand this letter to the officer at reception.
Appendix D: Sites selected for the Welfare Reform Pilots
| Centrelink Area | Sites for MAPP and VLTU Pilots | Sites for Workless Families Pilot |
|---|---|---|
North Qld |
Ingham, Charters Towers, Townsville, Ross River, Aitkenvale, Ayr, Mackay, Greenfields, Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Emerald, Gladstone, Biloela | |
Brisbane |
Maroochydore, Redcliffe, Gympie |
Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Fortitude Valley, Capalaba, Wynnum, Nambour, Maroochydore, Caloundra, Noosa, Caboolture |
Pacific Central |
Southport, Tweed Heads, Palm Beach |
Coffs Harbour, Beaudesert, Inala, Beenleigh, Browns Plains, Woodridge |
South West NSW |
Dubbo, Bourke, Wagga, Tumut, Goulburn, Bowral, Yass, Bathurst, Orange, Cowra | |
West NSW |
Mt Druitt |
Blacktown, Ryde, Baulkham Hills, Hawkesbury, Katoomba, Lithgow, Mudgee, Springwood |
Hunter |
Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Taree |
Armidale, Gunnedah, Inverell, Tamworth, Moree, Narrabri, Walgett, Glen Innes, Nambucca Heads, Kempsey, Taree, Forster, Wallsend, Toronto |
South Australia |
Enfield, Torrensville |
Noarlunga, Gawler, Elizabeth, Salisbury |
South East Vic |
Frankston, Oakleigh, Dandenong |
Springvale, Cranbourne, Morwell, Sale, Bairnsdale, Warrugal |
West Vic |
Ballarat, Bendigo |
Mildura, Swan Hill, Sunshine, Melton, Bendigo |
North Central Victoria |
Epping, Broadmeadows, Moreland | |
Tasmania |
Hobart, Bridgewater, Launceston |
Glenorchy, Bridgewater |
WA |
Gosnells, Mirrabooka |
Appendix E: Welfare Reform Pilot intervention group - Entry questionnaire
Part 1: Introduction
This sets the necessary context for the interview.
Part 2: Compliance/entitlement review
Customers will be asked to check a Statement of Details to ensure correct and up to date.
Part 3: Collection of pilot participant information
Notes:
- Some of this data may already have been collected on the participant, some may have been collected before but is now out of date and some data is new (not collected before). Unless otherwise stated, the data needs to be collected at the time of the interview.
- Unless otherwise stated (through stream specification), all participants are asked the questions specified below.
- Data relating to the participant will be identified by a T if it is obtained by simply transferring existing information from administrative databases, by a Q if it is from a question asked at the entry interview and by a R if it is information recorded by interviewer based on decisions/judgements they have made based on the interview.
3.1 History of income support (past and present)
Note: The following information is not asked at the interview but transferred directly from FaCS/Centrelink databases to survey data file. Need to specify what exactly is transferred (form and content) and check quality - accuracy, comprehensiveness, etc.
T1 History on income support
T2 Duration on income support
Record months/years
T3 Duration on current payment
Record months/years
3.2 History of participation (past and present)
(i) Activities over last two months
Interviewer introduction - I would now like to ask you some questions about recent activities you may have undertaken.
*Q1A Do you currently have a job or business?
1. Yes (Go to Q1C)
2. No (Go to Q1B)
*Q1B Did you do paid work in a job or business at any time in the last two months?
1. Yes (Go to Q2)
2. No (Go to Q5A)
Q1C Do you work more than 15 hours per week?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Have not started in job yet
*Q2 How many different employers did you work for in the last two months?
Record number of employers
Note - allow for 'Nil (not started work yet)' Go to Q5A
*Q3 How many hours have you worked in the last two months (in all jobs)?
Record number of hours
*Q4 Were you entitled to paid sick leave in the job(s) you had in the last two months?
1. Yes - all jobs
2. Yes - some jobs
3. No
4. Not sure/DK
*Q5A Are you currently looking for work?
1. Yes (Go to Q6)
2. No (Go to Q5)
*Q5 Did you look for work at any time in the last two months?
1. Yes (Go to Q6)
2. No (Go to Q11)
*Q6 How many weeks did you look for work in the last two months?
Record number of weeks
Note allow zero weeks and Go to Q11
*Q7 On average, how many hours per week did you look for work in these (weeks in Q6)?
Record number of hours
*Q8 How many job interviews did you attend in the last two months?
Record number of job interviews. Allow nil
Sequence Guide 2
Q9 How would you rate your chances of getting a job in the next two months? READ OUT
1. Very Good (Go to Q11)
2. Good (Go to Q11)
3. Fair (Go to Q11)
4. Poor (Go to Q10)
5. Very Poor (Go to Q10)
6. Don't Know (Go to Q11)
Q10 What is the main reason you would rate your chances as poor/very poor?
(Interviewer - record more than one main reason if appropriate)
1. No jobs at all
2. No suitable jobs
3. Own age/too old
4. Too long out of work
5. Employer attitudes
6. Do not have skills
7. Family reasons/responsibilities
8. Own disability
9. Own illness/health
10.Transport problems
11.Other (specify)
Q11. Are you currently doing any study or training courses?
1. Yes (Go to Q12)
2. No (Go to Q14)
Q12 How many hours per week do you usually spend studying or training?
Record number of hours
Q13 What is the main reason you are doing this study or training course?
1. Work-related reason (improve job skills/help get job/etc)
2. Personal development/interests me
3. Both work and personal (equal)
4. Other (specify)
*Q14 Have you done any voluntary work for an organisation, club or church group in the last two months?
1. Yes (Go to Q15)
2. No (Go to Q17)
*Q15 How many hours of voluntary work for such organisations would you have done in the last two months?
Record number of hours
*Q16 Are you doing this voluntary work to improve your chances of getting a paid job?
1. Yes - main reason for doing it
2. Yes - not main reason for doing it
3. No
*Q17 Are you currently a member of a club or an association?
1. Yes (Go to Q18)
2. No (Go to Q19)
3. Do not wish to give information (Go to Q19)
*Q18 How many clubs and associations are you a member of?
Record number
*Q19 Over the last two months, how often did you get together socially with friends or relatives who are not living with you?
Record number of times. Note: if 'nil' go to Q22
*Q20 How many of these social gatherings involved having a meal at your place?
Record number of times. Allow Nil
*Q21 How many of these social gatherings involved having a meal at someone else's place?
Record number of times. Allow Nil
(ii) Activities since left full-time education
Interviewer introduction - I am now going to ask you some questions about your work activities since leaving full-time education for the first time.
Q22 In what year did you leave full-time education for the first time?
(Note: If never attended full-time education then record year turned 15 years of age) Record year
Interviewer explanation- I would now like to divide these (calculate years since left full-time education/turned 15) years since you (left full-time education for the first time/turned15) in to time spent either working, looking for work or neither working nor looking for work. Please note that I am only after your best estimate.
Q23 Approximately how many of these years were you in paid work?
How many of these years were spent looking for work and not working? How many of these years were you neither working nor looking for work? A. Record years/months working
B. Record years/months looking for work
C. Record years/months neither working nor looking for work
D. Check total (agrees with years since left f/t education)
(Note: Allow interviewer to enter a code that is "Unable to determine with any confidence" and Go To Sequence Guide 5)
Sequence Guide 3
Q24 For the (years in Q23A) you were working, was this work mainly on a full-time or part- time basis?
1. Full-time (Go to Q26)
2. Part-time (Go to Q25)
3. Equal mix (Go to Q26)
Q25 How many hours per week did you usually work? READ OUT
1. Less than 8 hours
2. 8-19
3. 20 or more
4. Varied
Q26 Were you entitled to paid sick leave for the (time in Q23A) you were working?
1. Yes - all of the time
2. Yes - most of the time
3. Yes - some of the time
4. No
5. Not sure/Don't know
Q27 How much of the paid work you have done since leaving full-time education for the first time was seasonal work?
1. None
2. Some
3. About half
4. Most
5. All
Q28 What was the main reason that you stopped working in the last job/business you had?
Employment reasons
1. Laid off/retrenched/dismissed/etc
2. Job was temporary/seasonal
3. Unsatisfactory work arrangements/hours/pay
4. Holiday job
5. Self employed and business closed down/sold
Personal reasons
6. Retired/did not want to work any longer
7. Pregnancy/to have children
8. Own disability/handicap
9. Own illness/injury
10.To get married
11.To look after family/house/someone else
12.Have holiday/moved/spouse transferred
13.Return to studies
14.Currently has a job
15.Other reason (specify)
Sequence Guide 4
Q29 What was your main activity during those (years in Q23C) years when you were neither working nor looking for work?
1. Retired/voluntary inactive
2. Home duties/child care
3. Study/school/TAFE/Uni
4. Own illness/injury
5. Own disability/handicap
6. Looking after ill/disabled person
7. Travel/moving house/holiday
8. Unpaid work in a family business
9. Working in unpaid voluntary work
10.Other activity (specify)
Sequence Guide 5
Q30 What was main activity in the 5 years before you last registered as unemployed? (JSCI) READ OUT
1. Paid full-time work (35 Hours +)
2. Regular paid part-time 8 hours +
3. Regular paid part-time <8 hours
4. Paid seasonal or irregular casual work
5. Unpaid work (including Voluntary Work)
6. Not in Labour Force - At School, Studying, Caring
7. Nor working but looking for work (Unemployed)
8. Not registered as unemployed
3.3 Factors influencing participation
Interviewer introduction - I would now like to talk to you about things that may affect your ability to work or study. Let's start with education and training matters.
(i) Skills and training
Q31 What is the highest level of education you have completed in Australia or overseas? If completed overseas indicate Australian equivalent. (JSCI)
1. Did not go to school
2. Special school
3. Special support unit in mainstream school
4. Completed primary school or less
5. Did not complete year 10
6. Completed year 10
7. Completed year 11
8. Completed year 12/13
9. Trade or TAFE qualification
10.Associate/Advanced Diploma
11.Degree
12.Post Graduate qualification
Q32 Do you have a formal qualification which is recognised in the State/Territory where you live and which qualifies you to do a certain job? (JSCI)
1. Yes (Go to Q32A)
2. No (Go to Sequence Guide 6)
3. Not sure/Don't know (Go to Sequence Guide 6)
Q32A What is the name of that qualification?
Record name/type of qualification
Q33 Are there any reasons that could prevent you from using your qualification now? (JSCI)
If yes - what are the reasons? (JSCI)
Yes
1. Disability/health problem
2. Qualification outdated or no longer relevant
3. Overseas qualification is not recognised by relevant industry association
4. Overseas qualification is not accepted by employers
5. Over 10 years since worked in occupation that qualification relates
6. No jobs
7. Own age/too old
8. Other (specify)
9. No
Sequence Guide 6
Q33A What type of work are you looking for?
Specify and record full details (for use in development of participation plan)
(ii) Household composition
Interviewer introduction - I would now like to ask you about who you live with.
Q34 Which of these best describes your current living arrangements? (JSCI)
1. Living with partner - with dependent children (Go to Q35)
2. Living with partner - without dependent children (Go to Sequence guide 7)
3. Lone parent living with dependent children (Go to Q35)
4. Living with others (Go to Sequence guide 7)
5. Lives alone (Go to Sequence guide 7)
Q35 How many dependent children do you have?
Record number
Q36 What is age of each dependent child?
Record age for a maximum of 7 children
Sequence guide 7
(iii) Sharing responsibilities (for couples)
Interviewer introduction - I would now like to ask you about the sharing of household tasks between you and your partner.
Q37 Who is most responsible for the care of your children?
1. Respondent
2. Partner
3. Equal
Q38 Who usually looks after the children if they are ill?
1. Respondent
2. Partner
3. Equal
4. Other (specify)
Q39 Who is most responsible for the housework such as cooking, cleaning and doing the laundry?
1. Respondent
2. Partner
3. Equal
Sequence guide 8
(iv) Child care arrangements (children 0-11 years)
Interviewer introduction: I would now like to ask you about any care arrangements for your children who are aged less than 12 years?
Q40 The next question is about formal child care. Do any of your children aged less than 12 years attend (READ OUT) MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. A before or after school care program
2. A long day care centre
3. A family day care centre
4. An occasional care centre
5. Any other formal child care service
6. None of above
Q41 The next question is about types of child care, other than formal care, that you use for your children aged under 12 years.
Apart from (yourself/yourself and spouse/partner), does anyone else look after your children aged under 12 years? MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. Yes - child's brother/sister
2. Yes - other relative
3. Yes - friend/neighbour/babysitter
4. Yes - non-resident parent
5. Yes - other
6. No/no-one else
(v) Other care responsibilities
Interviewer introduction: I would now like to ask you about any (other) caring responsibilities you may have?
Q42 Do you look after other people's children aged under 12 years on a regular basis?
1. Yes (Go to Q43)
2. No (Go to Q44)
Q43 How many hours per week do you usually look after other people's children?
Record number of hours
Q44 Do you help or supervise someone who has a long-term health condition or disability, or is elderly, with everyday types of activities? (Carer can live with them or elsewhere.)
1. Yes (Go to Q45)
2. No (Go to Q46)
Q45 How many hours per week do you usually spend on caring for all such persons?
Record number of hours
Note: Allow a category 'All of the time/full-time'
(vi) Transport
Interviewer introduction - I would now like to ask you about your transport situation.
Q46 What type of transport do you have access to that you can use to travel to and from work each day? (JSCI)
1. Own transport (car, bike) (Go to Q47)
2. Other private transport (friend or relative's car) (Go to Q47)
3. Public transport (bus, train, taxi) (Go to Q49)
4. No transport (Go to Q49)
Q47 Is this transport available for you to use all of the time, most of the time or just some of the time?
1. All of the time
2. Most of the time
3. Some of the time
Q48 Is this transport in good working order?
1. Yes
2. No
Q49 Do you have a current driver's license?
1. Yes
2. No
Q50 Do you live within 90 minutes travel (using your normal method of transport) from a town or city with a population of at least 10,000? (JSCI)
1. Yes
2. No
3. Don't know
(vii) Other factors
Interviewer introduction - and now a question about your health
Q51 In general, would you say your health is excellent, very good, good, fair or poor?
1. Excellent
2. Very good
3. Good
4. Fair
5. Poor
Interviewer introduction - I would now like to ask you about sources of help from friends and acquaintances who live outside your own household.
Q52 Is there any friend or acquaintance from outside your own household you can rely on to help you …
(i) …if you needed to find a job for yourself or a member of your family?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Don't know
(ii) …if you needed money to pay an urgent bill?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Don't know
Q52A Is there any friend or acquaintance from outside your own household you can really count on to help in a crisis?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Don't know
Q53 Do you think you could influence what happens in your local community by doing such things as writing to your local newspaper, your Member of Parliament or your local council?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Don't know
3.5 Increasing participation (customer actions/perceptions/aspirations)
Interviewer introduction - I would now like to ask a few questions about your own goals and preferences regarding how you spend your time.
(i) Work goals
Let's first talk about paid work.
Q54A At the present time would you prefer to be working or doing something else?
1. Working (Go to Q55)
2. Something else (Go to Q58)
3. Don't know (Go to Q58)
Q54B Would you prefer to be working full-time or part-time?
1. Full-time (Go to Q55B)
2. Part-time (Go to Q55A)
Q55A How many hours per week would you like to work?
Record number of hours
Q55B What type of work would you like to do?
1. Same as Q33A
2. Different to Q33A - Specify and record full details (for use in development of participation plan)
Q56 What steps are you currently taking to help you get such a job?
Looking for work activities
1. Registered with employment agency
2. Looking in newspapers/notice boards, etc
3. Applying for jobs
4. Advertised for a job
5. Asking friends and relatives
6. Other (specify)
Improving job skills activities
7. Doing training courses/programs to improve work-related skills
8. None/Not doing anything at moment/given up
9. Already have such a job (Go to Sequence Guide 9)
Q57 What do you see as the main things that are stopping you from getting such a job?
Personal reasons
1. Own ill health/disability
2. Pregnancy
3. Own age/too old
4. Studying
5. Welfare payments affected
Family reasons
6. Cost of childcare
7. Availability of suitable childcare
8. Care of other family member/relative/friend
9. Other family reasons
No jobs
10. No jobs in line of work
11. No jobs with suitable hours/flexible working conditions
12. No jobs at all
Own skills
13. Lack skills/training/experience/confidence
14. Language problems
15. Employer attitudes
16. Transport problems
17. Other (specify)
18. Don't know (Go to Sequence Guide 9)
Q58 Would you like to be working at some time in the next 5 years?
1. Yes (Go to Q60A)
2. No (Go to Q59)
3. Don't know (Go to Sequence Guide 9)
Q59 What is the main reason that you would prefer not to be working in the next 5 years?
Personal reasons
1. Own ill health/disability
2. Own age/too old
3. Pregnancy
4. Studying
5. Welfare payments affected
Family reasons
6. Care for children/family
7. Care of other family member/relative/friend
8. Other family reasons
9. Other (specify)
10. Don't know (Go to Sequence Guide 9)
Q60A Would you prefer to be working full-time or part-time?
1. Full-time (Go to Q61)
2. Part-time (Go to Q60)
Q60 How many hours per week would you like to work?
Record number of hours
Q61 When would you like to start work?
1. Within next 12 months
2. In 1-2 years time
3. In 3-5 years time
4. Not sure exactly
Q62 What is the main reason you would not like to start work now?
Personal reasons
1. Own ill health/disability
2. Pregnancy
3. Studying
4. Welfare payments affected
Family reasons
5. Care for children/family
6. Care of other family member/relative/friend
7. Other family reasons
8. Other (specify)
9. Don't know
Q63 Are you currently taking any steps to help you get such a job?
Looking for work activities
1. Registered with employment agency
2. Looking in newspapers/notice boards, etc
3. Applying for jobs
4. Advertised for a job
5. Asking friends and relatives
6. Other (specify)
Improving job skills activities
7. Doing training courses/programs to improve work-related skills
8. None/Not doing anything at moment
Q64 Do you see any problems or difficulties in getting such a job?
1. Yes (Go to Q65)
2. No (Go to Sequence Guide 9)
Q65 What problems or difficulties do you see?
Personal reasons
1. Own ill health/disability
2. Own age/too old
Family reasons
3. Cost of childcare
4. Availability of suitable childcare
5. Care of other family member/relative/friend
6. Other family reasons
No jobs
7. No jobs in line of work
8. No jobs with suitable hours/flexible working conditions
9. No jobs at all
Own skills
10. Lack skills/training/experience/confidence
11. Language problems
12. Employer attitudes
13. Transport problems
14. Other (specify)
15. Don't know
(ii) Training/study goals
Sequence guide 9
Interviewer introduction - I would now like to ask you about any training or study goals you have.
Q66 Is there some course of study or training that you would like to be doing now?
1. Yes (Go to Q67)
2. No (Go to Q71)
Q67 What type of course of study or training is that?
1. Vocational/improve job skills
2. Personal development
3. Both vocational and personal development
Q68 Is this studying/training likely to be full-time or part time?
1. Full-time
2. Part-time
3. Either
4. Don't know
Q69 What steps are you taking to do such a course of study or training?
Steps related to actual course
1. Obtained information on course/enrolment forms
2. Preliminary reading/prerequisite study
3. Other course related steps (specify)
Steps related to making it possible
4. Organised care of children
5. Organised care of others (than children)
6. Organised transport
7. Other (specify)
8. None/nothing yet
Q70 What is the main thing stopping you doing such a course of study or training now?
1. Own ill health/disability
2. Pregnancy
3. Own age/too old
4. Cost of childcare
5. Availability of suitable childcare
6. Care of other family member/relative/friend
7. No suitable courses in area
8. Cost of course
9. Transport problems
10.Uncertainty regarding future
11.Other (specify)
12.Don't know
13.Nothing (Go to Q78)
Q71 Is there some course of study or training that you would like to be doing at some time in the next 5 years?
1. Yes (Go to Q72)
2. No (Go to Q78)
Q72 Is this study/training likely to be full-time or part time?
1. Full-time
2. Part-time
3. Either
4. Don't know
Q73 When would you like to start this study or training?
1. Within next 12 months
2. In 1-2 years time
3. In 3-5 years time
4. Not sure exactly
Q74 What is the main reason you would not like to start studying or training now?
Personal reasons
1. Own ill health/disability
2. Pregnancy
Family reasons
3. Care for children/family
4. Care of other family member/relative/friend
5. Other family reasons
6. Cost/financial reasons
7. Timing of course
8. Other (specify)
9. Don't know
Q75 What type of course of study or training would you like to do?
1. Vocational/improve job skills
2. Personal development
3. Both vocational and personal development
Q76 What steps are you taking to do such a course of study or training?
Steps related to actual course
1. Obtained information on course/enrolment forms
2. Preliminary reading/prerequisite study
3. Other course related steps (specify)
Steps related to making it possible
4. Organised care of children
5. Organised care of others (than children)
6. Organised transport
7. Other (specify)
8. None/nothing yet
Q77 What problem or difficulties do you see in doing such a course of study or training?
1. Own ill health/disability
2. My age/too old
3. Pregnancy
4. Cost of childcare
5. Availability of suitable childcare
6. Care of other family member/relative/friend
7. No suitable courses in area
8. Cost of course
9. Transport problems
10.Other (specify)
11.Don't know
12.Nothing
(iii) Community involvement goals
Interviewer introduction - I would now like to ask you about any community involvement goals you have.
Q78 Would you prefer to be more actively involved in your community at the present time?
1. Yes (Go to Q79)
2. No (Go to Q83)
3. Don't know (Go to Q83)
Q79 What kind of activities would you like to be more involved in?
1. Fundraising
2. Management/Committee work
3. Day to day organising/Coordinating/Supervising
4. Preparing/Serving food
5. Administration/Clerical work
6. Teaching/Instruction
7. Transporting people/Goods
8. Repairing/Maintenance/Gardening
9. Coaching/Refereeing/Judging
10.Recruiting
11.Lobbying/Advocacy/Policy research
12.Performing/Media production
13.Search and rescue/First aid/Fire fighting
14.Befriending/Supportive listening/Counselling
15.Providing information
16.Personal care/Assistance
17.Protecting the environment
18.Guiding tours (museums, galleries, etc)
19.Other (specify)
20.Nothing specific
21.Don't know
Q80 What are the main reasons for you becoming more involved in your community?
1. Help other people
2. Interest me
3. Personal satisfaction
4. Meet people
5. Help me get job skills
6. Other (specify)
Q81 What steps are you taking to become more involved in your community?
Steps related to contacting organisations
1. Contacted organisations about opportunities
2. Asked friend/relatives about opportunities
3. Other (specify)
Steps related to making it possible
4. Organised care of children
5. Organised care of others (than children)
6. Organised transport
7. Other (specify)
8. None/nothing yet
Q82 What is the main thing stopping you from being more involved in your community?
Family responsibilities
1. Own ill health/disability
2. Pregnancy
3. Own age/too old
4. Cost of childcare
5. Availability of suitable childcare
6. Care of other family member/relative/friend
7. Other family responsibilities
Other reasons
8. No suitable activities/opportunities in area
9. Own self confidence
10.No time (generally)
11.Transport problems
12.Other (specify)
13.Nothing
14.Don't know
GO TO DEMOGRAPHICS (SEQUENCE GUIDE 10)
Q83 Would you like to become more involved in your community at some time in the next 5 years?
1. Yes (Go to Q84)
2. No (Go to Sequence Guide 10)
3. Don' know (Go to Sequence Guide 10)
Q84 When would you like to start become more involved in your community?
1. Within next 12 months
2. In 1-2 years time
3. In 3-5 years time
4. Not sure exactly
Q85 What kind of activities would you like to be more involved in at that time?
1. Fundraising
2. Management/Committee work
3. Day to day organising/Coordinating/Supervising
4. Preparing/Serving food
5. Administration/Clerical work
6. Teaching/Instruction
7. Transporting people/Goods
8. Repairing/Maintenance/Gardening
9. Coaching/Refereeing/Judging
10.Recruiting
11.Lobbying/Advocacy/Policy research
12.Performing/Media production
13.Search and rescue/First aid/Fire fighting
14.Befriending/Supportive listening/Counselling
15.Providing information
16.Personal care/Assistance
17.Protecting the environment
18.Guiding tours (museums, galleries, etc)
19.Other (specify)
20.Nothing specific
21.Don't know
Q86 What are the main reasons for you becoming more involved in your community at that time?
1. Help other people
2. Interest me
3. Personal satisfaction
4. Meet people
5. Help me get job skills
6. Other (specify)
Q87 What steps are you taking to become more involved in your community at that time?
Steps related to contacting organisations
1. Contacted organisations about opportunities
2. Asked friend/relatives about opportunities
3. Other (specify)
Steps related to making it possible
4. Organised care of children
5. Organised care of others (than children)
6. Organised transport
7. Other (specify)
8. None/nothing yet
Q88 What do you see as the main problem or difficulties in you becoming more involved in your community at that time?
Family responsibilities
1. Own ill health/disability
2. Pregnancy
3. Own age/too old
4. Cost of childcare
5. Availability of suitable childcare
6. Care of other family member/relative/friend
7. Other family responsibilities
Other reasons
8. No suitable activities/opportunities in area
9. Own self confidence
10.No time (generally)
11.Transport problems
12.Other (specify)
13.No difficulties/problems foreseen
14.Don't know
(a) Transfer data (customers only)
Note: The following information is not asked at the interview but transferred directly from FaCS/Centrelink databases to survey data file. Need to specify what exactly is transferred (form and content) and check quality - accuracy, comprehensiveness, etc.
T4 Country of birth (JSCI)
1. Category A (Australia and low u/e rates)
2. Category B (medium u/e rates)
3. Category C (high u/e rates)
T5 Country of birth
Specific country
T6 Age (JSCI)
Record actual age
T7 Ex-offender status
1. Not disclosed
2. Non-custodial sentence
3. Custodial sentence
4. Not applicable (not an ex-offender)
(b) Survey questions
Sequence guide 10
Interviewer introduction for non-customers - I would now like to ask some questions about you.
Q89 Were you born in Australia?
1. Yes (Go to Q90)
2. No (Go to Q89A)
Q89A In which country were you born?
Record country
Q90 How old are you? (JSCI)
Record actual age. Allow refusal
GO TO Q91A
Interviewer introduction for customers - I would now like to update some information we may already have on you on our database.
Q91A Were you born in Australia?
1. Yes
2. No
Q91 Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin (ATSI)? (JSCI)
1. Yes
2. No
3. Do not wish to give this information
Q92 Are you of South Sea Islander origin (SSI)? (JSCI)
1. Yes
2. No
3. Do not wish to give this information
Sequence guide 11
Q92A Did you arrive in Australia on a refugee or humanitarian visa?
1. Yes (Go to Q93)
2. No (Go to Q92B)
3. No Don't know (Go to Q92B)
Q92B Were you granted a refugee or humanitarian visa when you arrived in Australia?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Don't know
Q93A Do you have an ongoing disability, medical condition, illness or addiction that makes it difficult for you to get a job or that affects your ability to work? (JSCI)
1. Yes (Go to Q93B)
2. No (Go to Q94)
3. Do not wish to give this information (Go to Q94)
Q93B What type(s) of disability, medical condition, illness or addiction do you have? (JSCI)
Record verbatim response
Q93C Have you applied for, or will you be applying for, the Disability Support Pension?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Don't know/not sure
Q93D Are you seeking a referral to the specialist disability services provided by the Department of Family and Community Services?
1. Yes
2. No
3. Don't know/not sure
Q93E Are you able to work at least 20 hours per week?
1. Yes
2. No
Q93F Can you provide documentary evidence about your disability, medical condition, illness or addiction which indicates that your condition affects your ability to work?
1. Yes
2. No
Q94 Do you currently live in temporary or emergency accommodation such as a refuge, shelter or hostel? (JSCI)
1. Yes
2. No
Q95 How would you rate your English speaking skills for employment purposes? (JSCI) READ OUT
1. Good
2. Fair
3. Poor
Q96 How would you rate your English reading skills for employment purposes? (JSCI) READ OUT
1. Good
2. Fair
3. Poor
Q97 How would you rate your English writing skills for employment purposes? (JSCI) READ OUT
1. Good
2. Fair
3. Poor
Q98 Can you be contacted by phone? (JSCI)
1. Yes (Go to Q99)
2. No (Go to Q101)
Q99 Is that at home or somewhere else? (JSCI)
1. At home
2. At work
3. A message service
4. A message left with relatives/friends
5. A mobile phone
Q100 Is this a silent number? (JSCI)
1. Yes
2. No
Q101 What is the postcode of the suburb/area where you live? (JSCI)
Record postcode
Part 4: Participation plan
In this section the participation plan is developed for customer. The following data needs to be recorded.
Data to be recorded
*Note that this section requires interviewer to record the following information based on results of interview.
R1 What referrals to services/activities are made.
R2 Record whether the person accepts the journal as useful to them.
R3 Record contents of the participation plan, including whether the participant is able to take up the referrals immediately or whether they have to wait.
R4 Record activity test arrangements the person should have eg Jobseeker Diary, reporting requirements. A brief record of any activity testing requirements applying and whether these have changed.
R5 Record details of any further assessment required (eg by way of a referral to a social worker, FISO or other Centrelink specialist) - concerns referrals that take place immediately rather than after the conclusion of the pilot.
R6 If person has cash needs but ineligible, record if an advance is appropriate.
R7 Record whether an advance is made and what type.
Part 5: Details of $500 additional assistance
For participants in eligible streams, this section applies if and only if they have identified lack of ready cash as a barrier in previous sections. This identification must be unprompted. The reason for this is that the cash assistance must be tied to identifiable barriers beyond just being a low-income person, for the purposes of the pilot.
Data to be recorded
*Note that this section requires interviewer to record the following information based on results of interview.
R8 Record barrier/s being addressed by cash assistance
1. Mobility (includes car repairs, transport, public fares, relocation, licences, etc)
2. Clothing and equipment (uniforms, tools of trade, boots, etc)
3. Financial assistance to pay debts (eg phone bills, etc)
4. Training assistance (course fees, etc)
5. Childcare and other caring services (child care, looking after sick partner, etc)
6. Counselling (payment of counselling fees such as career counselling, motivation, etc)
7. Provision of other services to assist in job search (resumes, internet, etc)
R9 Estimated amount needed
R10 Record way the cash will help address the barrier
Categories to include things like: assist in job interview efforts, upgrade qualifications, assist with mobility, address personal issues, etc.
R11 Record how the participant will acquit/document the expenditure
Categories such as: provide receipts within a week, provide receipts within a month, telephone to confirm cost (where receipts not available), etc.
Part 6: Customer perception of intervention
The following data will be collected from the customer.
Data to be collected
Q103 How helpful have you found this interview?
1. Very helpful
2. Quite helpful
3. Not very helpful
4. Not at all helpful
5. Did not consider interview needed or necessary
Q104 Did you have any concerns or problems about doing this interview?
1. Yes (specify)
2. No
Q105 Before coming to this interview, how satisfied have you been with the overall service provided by Centrelink
1. Very satisfied
2. Satisfied
3. Nether satisfied not dissatisfied
4. Dissatisfied
5. Very dissatisfied
Part 7: Concluding remarks
Thanks for coming and participating - assure them that the results of the additional questions are confidential.
Will include setting up exit interview for 2 months time.
Part 8: Interviewer perception of intervention
This section will be completed immediately after the interview when customer has gone.
Data to be recorded
*Note that this section does not require questions to be asked of customer. It requires interviewer to record information based on results of interview.
#R12 What do you consider to be the main three barriers this person faces to increasing their economic and/or social participation? For each of the three barriers record the size of the barrier - large, medium or small. For non-referrals please indicate if recommend follow- up for further assistance.
#R13 When, in your opinion, would an intervention of this sort have been most useful for this participant?
Please record details
R14 How helpful do you think the interview is likely to be in assisting participant to increase their economic and/or social participation?
1. Very helpful
2. Quite helpful
3. Not very helpful
4. Not at all helpful
R15 (For non cash assistance stream) Would you have provided cash assistance to this participant if you had been able to?
1. Yes
2. No
R16 Are there any other comments you would like to make about the interview in relation to this participant?
Record comments