The department is working to implement changes arising from reviews into the administration of the Targeted Compliance Framework (TCF). This page provides the latest information and updates on the progress of this work.
The Targeted Compliance Framework applies to participants in Workforce Australia, Inclusive Employment Australia and Transition to Work who have mutual obligation requirements.
On 19 October 2026, the Secretary gave an update on the decision to resume 2 paused elements of the Targeted Compliance Framework.
Two paused elements of the Targeted Compliance Framework are resuming
On 26 October 2026, decision-making under the following 2 elements of the Targeted Compliance Framework will start again:
- payment cancellations for not meeting a reconnection requirement within 4 weeks
- payment suspensions for work refusal failures.
The remaining paused provisions under the Targeted Compliance Framework are expected to resume in early 2027.
More detail on the decisions to date, status of the system, who is impacted and information for participants is available on the TCF decisions and information for participants page.
Compensation
The department has commenced issuing invitations to people who may be eligible to claim compensation because their payment was incorrectly cancelled.
Invitations will be sent in batches over the coming months to ensure we can respond efficiently to claims received. Once this work is complete, we will announce on our website when we have finished sending invitations to apply for compensation. If you have not received an invitation, but believe you experienced a direct financial loss, or non-financial loss, because of an eligible cancellation decision, you can still lodge an application at that stage.
More information on compensation
Download the Easy Read version
Digital Protections Framework
The department’s draft Digital Protections Framework sets out safeguards for the use of technology in decision-making and service delivery across all Commonwealth employment services programs.
The development of the Digital Protections Framework responds to the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s recommendation that the department’s Secretary comply with section 159A of the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Streamlined Participation Requirements and Other Measures) Act 2022 (SPROM Act) by determining a Digital Protections Framework.
The department accepted this recommendation, and delivering the framework remains a key priority as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen safeguards for job seekers and support the modernisation of employment services administration.
The Digital Protection Framework will enhance transparency, accountability and confidence in the way technology supports service delivery and decision-making.
The department undertook public consultation on the draft Digital Protections Framework in September 2026. The consultation period has now closed.
The department is considering the feedback received.
System reviews
To assure the integrity of the administration of the Targeted Compliance Framework, we are acting on the insights from recent reviews and recommendations.
The reviews looked at whether decisions taken through the Targeted Compliance Framework were made in a lawful and robust manner:
- An independent assurance review examined the IT system operating the Targeted Compliance Framework against policy and business rules.
- The Commonwealth Ombudsman released 2 reports from his investigation into decisions under the Targeted Compliance Framework.
- A legal review examined whether decisions are being properly made and whether decision-making processes are aligned with the law.
We are working with other partner agencies to improve the integrity, operation and transparency of the employment services system.
We are prioritising improvements to our assurance activities. All decision-making processes that might impact a person’s payment are being tested, mapped end to end and clearly documented and assured.
We are improving our governance processes, and ensuring legal, policy and operational considerations are integrated into our system.
Support
Participant journey maps and a fact sheet are available to give participants visual examples of how the resumed suspension and cancellation processes will operate.
Participants who have questions, are concerned, or would like to make a complaint, can call the department’s National Customer Service Line for more information on 1800 805 260.
Statements and updates
- 19 October 2026 – Secretary’s update on the resumption of elements of the Targeted Compliance Framework
- 4 August 2026 – Secretary’s update on work to return the Targeted Compliance Framework to lawful administration
- 17 December 2025 – An update on the Targeted Compliance Framework
- 9 December 2025 – Secretary's statement in response to Ombudsman’s report
- 3 October 2025 – Secretary's statement on progress under the Targeted Compliance Framework Integrity Assurance program
- 14 August 2025 – Secretary's statement in response to the independent assurance review
- 6 August 2025 – Secretary's statement in response to Commonwealth Ombudsman report
- 21 March 2025 – Secretary's statement updating on the progress of assurance reviews, and announcing decisions to pause additional elements of the Targeted Compliance Framework
- 26 February 2025 – Secretary's opening statement to Senate Education and Employment References Committee
This video provides information about the Targeted Compliance Framework and a summary of the department’s actions to assure the integrity of the framework. The video refers to decisions made on 21 March 2025 to pause some parts of the system and where people can access support.
This video provides information about mutual obligation requirements. It provides information about decisions taken on 21 March 2025 in relation to the system, the basis for these decisions and the department’s next steps.