Resumption of full Community Development Program (CDP) servicing

From Monday 19 October 2020, the Community Development Program will resume full CDP servicing arrangements.

CDP providers will offer job seekers face-to-face appointments and services consistent with advice of health authorities and any state, territory or local community travel restrictions. CDP providers will continue to tailor their support by offering services online and/or over the phone where required to suit individual job seeker circumstances.

The Government has been committed to ensuring mutual obligation requirements have remained flexible and appropriate for job seekers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The resumption of full CDP servicing will include the reintroduction of mutual obligation requirements for job seekers.

This means that job seekers will be required to attend activities and appointments to meet their mutual obligations to receive income support. Between 19 October 2020 and 19 November 2020, CDP providers will apply a considered approach to job seeker compliance action for mutual obligation requirements.

Job seekers should:

• attend appointments and activities with their CDP provider to meet their requirements and update their job plan to access a range of assistance, such as preparing resumes and job applications, referral to jobs and relevant support services.
• contact their CDP provider if unwell or required to self-isolate and NOT attend face-to-face appointments or activities.

Job seekers will continue to be able to seek a temporary exemption from mutual obligation requirements from Service Australia (Centrelink) for relevant circumstances, including cultural and health reasons.