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This topic contains information regarding:
The primary purpose of the compulsory annual participation interview is to place activities undertaken by the person in a planning context. This is done by helping the person set appropriate, achievable participation goals that move towards the take-up of paid employment, at an appropriate time and to the extent that is reasonable, given the person's circumstances. The secondary purpose of the interview is to motivate and encourage the person to pursue the goals set; to facilitate access to programs, support services and incentives, as needed; and provide any information needed for the person to understand the consequences of participation options considered.
At the interview, the recipient is assisted to develop an EPP. The Centrelink officer should explain the benefits of paid work and the effect it will have on income support entitlements, including the incentives created by working credit. Centrelink officers must also assess the person's workforce capacity and aspirations, identify any barriers to economic and social participation and refer them to services where appropriate. The EPP is developed and agreed to by the recipient and the Centrelink officer, and the Centrelink officer records this information on the system. Generally, the recipient is issued with a participation record to record their hours of activity.
Every recipient should, where possible, develop an EPP that captures the outcomes of discussion about long term and short term goals, participation opportunities, identified barriers or issues that might be addressed, possible program or service referrals, etc.
Where the recipient does not wish to develop an EPP, a record of the outcomes of the interview should be provided, noting details of the issues canvassed and contact details should they wish to follow anything up at a later date.
The EPP should be tailored to the individual's circumstances and, in consultation, where necessary, with relevant Centrelink specialist officers and/or external specialist service provider such as JSA or DES.
The starting point for discussion with the recipient about appropriate activities should be identified by the recipient's goals and an assessment of their capacity and opportunity for workforce participation. From this information, the recipient should be guided to consider activities that will help them progress towards their goals and towards economic participation.
WA recipients who have developed an EPP should usually be provided with a participation record. The purpose of the participation record is to make it easy for the recipient to record and keep track of their activities. It can also later serve as an aid to the Centrelink officer when considering if additional contact or assistance is needed to assist the recipient in progressing with activities outlined in their participation plan.
Completion of the record is not compulsory but recipients should be encouraged to use it as a tool to help them make progress towards goals. All recipients should be offered the record.
Act reference: SS(Admin)Act section 63 Requirement to attend Department etc
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Last reviewed: 1 March 2010
