Submission to the Senate Inquiry on the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Youth Jobs Path: Prepare, Trial, Hire) Bill 2016

This is a submission by the Multicultural Youth Advocacy Network Australia (MYAN) and the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) to the Senate Inquiry on the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Youth Jobs Path: Prepare, Trial, Hire) Bill 2016. The submission focuses on the potential impacts of the Youth PaTH program on young people from refugee and migrant backgrounds. While supportive of initiatives that enhance youth employment, MYAN and FECCA express concerns about the mandatory nature of the program for some participants, the need for cultural competence in training and support services, and the risks of exploitation. The submission recommends safeguards, flexible training options, and partnerships with community organisations to better support young job seekers from diverse backgrounds, ensuring fair treatment and meaningful employment outcomes.