Tue, 29 Jul 2014 The Australian government has announced it will invest A$5.1bn (£2.8bn) in employment services over three years to help both jobseekers and employers.

Minister for employment, senator Eric Abetz, said the investment was to help more Australians move from welfare to work, as well as increasing “workplace participation”.

“The current Job Services Australia system has lost focus and become mired in red tape.

“As a result, the number of people moving into work under the current arrangements has steadily decreased.”

Assistant minister for employment Luke Hartsuyker said the reinvigorated system would include new incentives, services and payments.

He said most jobseekers would be required to look for up to 40 jobs per month and most jobseekers under the age of 50 would be required to take part in the Work for the Dole scheme, a form of work-based welfare, for 15 or 25 hours a week for six months each year.

The new model will operate from 1 July 2015.