If you need to speak to someone about the impact your job situation is having on you and/or your family, reach out to a service listed in the Looking after yourself section below.
Employment support
The Australian Government provides a wide range of supports and services for any worker who loses their job.
Immediate assistance is available to all retrenched workers to help you find a job, access training or help you decide on your next steps.
Below is a list of the type of supports available to help you find work as quickly as possible.
Help with finding work
Free support with:
| Workforce Australia is the Australian Government’s employment service. If you have been retrenched, you and your partner can access immediate support for up to 3 months before and up to 6 months after your retrenchment date. You don’t need to be eligible for Income Support payments to access this support. | Find a provider – Workforce Australia Enter your location and filter to “Workforce Australia Employment Services” to find a Provider near you. |
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| Support for people aged 45 years and over | Personalised assistance and practical support with job searches and applying for a job, identify your existing skills and how they can transfer to a new job or industry. Build your confidence, improve your computer skills, and identify the job opportunities in your local area. | Career Transition Assistance |
| Job support for Young People aged 15-24 | Support for young people aged 15-24 to find work (including apprenticeships and traineeships), training and local community services. | Transition to Work |
| Job support if you are a person with Disability | A Disability Employment Service (DES) Provider can help you find suitable work. | Job Access Call: 1800 464 800 |
| Employment Services National Customer Service Line | Call or email if you need help with finding a Provider or have questions about programs or services. | Call: 1800 805 260 Email: NationalCustomerServiceLine@dewr.gov.au |
Queensland Government supports
| Support if you’ve lost your job | The Queensland Government provides a suite of information and support services to workers who may find themselves without work as a result of business closures or redundancy programs. Support is available whether you need assistance with finance, job seeking or training and career information. | Visit the Queensland Government website for information on available support. For help in accessing the appropriate service call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) |
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| Employee Letter of Support | If you have been made redundant or stood down from your job, there are many support measures the Queensland and Australian Governments have to assist you get back into the workforce. | Employee support from government (PDF) |
Information about resumes, job applications and interviews
| Resume tips | Learn how to create a resume that shows how your skills and experience suits the job. | Resume 101: What needs to be in them (and what stays out) - Workforce Australia Online learning module |
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| Write a cover letter | Learn how to write an effective cover letter that will get you noticed. | Writing a cover letter – Workforce Australia Online learning module |
| Tailoring job applications | Find out about the different ways that employers recruit and how to apply for jobs correctly. | Job applications 101: What goes into one and what it says about you – Workforce Australia Online learning module |
| Prepare for a job interview | Prepare for job interviews by practising responses to common interview questions. |
Financial assistance and advice
| Financial assistance | People older than 22 and below the pension age may be eligible for income support payments. * a copy of your Letter of Termination (or Consultation Letter) and your last payslip will be required. | Apply online or call: 132 850 |
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| Financial Information Service | Services Australia’s free Financial Information Service (FIS) is available to everyone. | Call: 132 300 |
| Financial Counselling | If you feel concerned about your financial situation, speak with a financial counsellor as soon as possible. | National Debt Helpline Mob Strong Debt Helpline, for Indigenous Australians |
Redundancy and entitlements information
| Advice for anyone that has lost their job | Information and links to redundancy information and services available to anyone experiencing retrenchment. | What’s Next? |
|---|---|---|
| Redundancy pay and entitlements | The Redundancy Information Statement (RIS) outlines your rights and entitlements when you’ve been retrenched. | Redundancy Information Statement |
| Tax and Retirement | ATO information about redundancy payments. | ATO – Redundancy and Early Retirement |
Other helpful resources
| Mature Age Hub | Information on services and supports specifically for mature aged workers looking for work or wanting to upskill. | Mature Age Hub |
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| Search job vacancies | Search Workforce Australia’s current job vacancies. | Workforce Australia for Individuals – Job Search |
| Changing careers | Help with identifying careers or jobs that match your skills and experience | Job Switch |
| Training and job options | Advice on looking for work, finding training or exploring other job options. | Your Career |
Contact
For any enquiries about employment supports and programs and other services, please email the Retrenchments team at the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations on retrenchment@dewr.gov.au.
Please consider any personal or sensitive information you include, as it may be shared with another government agency or authorised parties.