Page Contents
1. Activity test requirements
2. Paid work
3. Courses and labour market programs
4. Main aim to find work
5. Rejecting an activity
1. Activity test requirements
The activity test has three parts
- you must actively seek and be willing to undertake suitable paid work
- you must participate in any courses or other activities as required by Centrelink
- you must meet the terms of your Preparing to Work Agreement with Centrelink.
Centrelink must apply the activity test to your particular situation, taking into account your needs, skills and abilities.
Suitable or unsuitable
There may be many reasons why a particular activity is suitable or unsuitable. What is unsuitable depends on the circumstances, because the law does not generally define the term unsuitable.
However, there are a couple of exceptions. If you have a partial capacity to work, or you are the principal carer of one or more children under eight, Centrelink cannot force you to accept work if
- the duration of the journey to or from work, using all forms of private or public transport available to you, would normally exceed 60 minutes
- your travel or child care costs would be excessive.
2. Paid work
Centrelink must take into account any factors that may affect your ability to actively seek or undertake particular types of paid work. The factors may include
- your illness or disability
- availability of suitable work in your area
- availability of transport
- availability of child care
- costs of seeking work
- anything else relevant to your circumstances.
3. Courses and labour market programs
Centrelink must provide you with sufficient information about any courses and labour market programs in your area.
You may suggest a course yourself, but you should discuss it with Centrelink before starting. Some programs and courses may affect your payment, and some may not be approved by Centrelink.
4. Main aim to find work
You must show Centrelink that your main aim is to find paid work. You can do other things, such as study part-time, operate a business or farm, or pursue hobbies. However, these activities must be less important than finding work, and they must not interfere with your ability to look for work or accept paid work.
5. Rejecting an activity
You may reject an activity if it
- is not suitable
- does not meet your needs
- will not improve your ability to obtain suitable paid work
- will not help you to look for work.
However, before rejecting an activity, you should obtain independent advice (see ‘Independent advice and assistance’ section).
Next Section: Preparing for Work Agreements
