All unemployed workers have a guaranteed right to privacy under the law.
1.7 Refusing to Complete a ‘Pre-Employment’ Survey
The Australian Unemployment Union have been informed by a number of unemployed people that some Employment Service Providers are trying to force Newstart recipients to fill out a ‘pre-employment’ survey (click here to view a survey provided by Employment Plus).
It is important to know that no where in the mutual obligation requirement guideline does it say that Newstart recipients have to fill out a survey to fulfil their requirements. Consequently, they are voluntary. Any Employment Service Provider that says you need to fill out a survey to fulfil your mutual obligation requirements, or gives you the impression that you have to, they are breaking social security law.
There are serious concerns that Employment Providers are allowing this information into the hands of third parties who are using it for their own vested interests.
Have you been forced to fill out a survey?
Make a complaint and call Centrelink’s complaints and feedback line on 1800 132 468 (free call unless from a public phone or mobile which may be timed and charged at a higher rate).