Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

I'd like to tell you a story about Jacqueline, who participated in the Next Steps program run by HR Development at Work. This program gives older jobseekers a combination of training, mentoring and coaching to tackle some of the psychological challenges of unemployment. Jacqueline was made redundant at the end of last year. Jacqueline is 57. In her own words, she said she didn't feel as though she had any hope whatsoever of re-entering the workforce. Jacqueline has been part of the Next Steps program, and this is what she said after she had been successful in getting a job with the education department: 'To be told that you are the best candidate for the job is a huge boost to your self-esteem. I've now been working for over six weeks and absolutely love my job.' We understand Australians face barriers to work. That's why we're working with them with these programs to overcome them.