Share your story: help improve employment services.
On this page:
The Australian Government is committed to a more inclusive and responsive employment system.
The Lived Experience Panel (the panel) will bring together people who have used employment services, ensuring their real-life experiences directly shape future improvements.
What do we mean by ‘lived experience’?
Lived experience means something you have been through yourself. It is the understanding you get from real life, not from reading or hearing about it.
It is valuable because it helps others understand what it’s really like for people using employment services.
These insights help us understand people’s needs, improve support, and design effective programs, policies and services.
About the panel
We’re creating a panel of people who have used employment services and want to share their experiences.
If you join the panel, you may be invited to:
- Join the Lived Experience working group
This group will meet online about 3 times over 12 months. The group will be 10–12 people who share ideas and feedback based on their own experiences of using employment services. - Take part in one-time online focus groups
This will be a small group of people who come together to talk about their experiences or opinions on a specific topic. - Participate in other activities
This may include one-on-one interviews, surveys and other research opportunities.
Who can apply?
You can apply if you have used Workforce Australia or other employment services in the past 12–18 months and are 18 years or above.
We’re interested in hearing from people who:
- come from a range of backgrounds and communities
- have short and long term experience in the employment services system
- live in metropolitan, regional or remote areas.
We especially encourage applications from:
- First Nations people
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- people with disabilities or health conditions
- carers and parents
- people with lived experience of mental health challenges, homelessness or the justice system.
What’s in it for you?
- Be heard: share your story and help improve services.
- Be part of change: contribute to policies that better support people looking for work.
- Be recognised: you may receive an incentive payment if selected to participate in the working group, focus group or other consultation activities.
Further questions
If you have further questions, visit our Lived Experience Panel FAQs page.
How to apply
Complete the below Expression of Interest (EOI) form by 11:59 pm AEST on 24 June 2026.
You can apply by:
| Online form (preferred) | Complete the EOI using the online form. |
|---|---|
| If you are unable to complete the form online, download the PDF and email completed forms to livedexperience@dewr.gov.au. | |
| Other | If you need help applying or want to talk about other ways to submit, email us at livedexperience@dewr.gov.au. |
Privacy Notice
Your personal information is protected by law, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), and is collected by the department for the purposes of establishing and managing the Panel, including managing any conflicts of interest and facilitating your participation in the consultation activities if you are chosen. This information is required in order to administer the Panel.
Sensitive information is a subset of personal information. It includes information or an opinion about your racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious beliefs or affiliations, philosophical beliefs, membership of associations or unions, sexual orientation or practices, criminal record, and health, genetic or biometric information. We need your consent to collect your sensitive information unless the collection is otherwise permitted under the Privacy Act. If you provide your sensitive information in completing the EOI, you will be taken to have consented to the department’s collection of that information.
Your personal information may be disclosed to the Offices of the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Assistant Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations or the Minister for Skills and Training for the above purposes only.
Your personal information may be disclosed to other parties where you have agreed, or where it is otherwise permitted under the Privacy Act.
Your personal information is unlikely to be disclosed to overseas recipients.
You can get more information about the how the department will handle your personal information, including information on accessing or correcting your personal information, and how to make a complaint, in our full Privacy Policy.
The Privacy Policy can be found on Privacy or by requesting a copy from the department at privacy@dewr.gov.au.
To contact the department about your personal information email privacy@dewr.gov.au.