Newstart - JobActive ESAT

[helpless]

Hi,

Currently on Newstart Jobseeker and connected to a Jobactive provider. I had an ESAT appointment due to my issues as I am currently going through alot which is stopping me from working etc.

Just wondering when you get interviewed by the ESAT officer are they the one who make the decision? Is the decision made straight after the interview or the decision is made from someone else and you will need to wait? If so how long do I need to wait to find out?

Kind of worried on the outcome of the assessment. If they don’t reduce my requirements etc or if I’m not happy with their decision. Is there anything I can do to escalate it? Please let me know if I can make an appeal or fight the ESAT decision outcome. Anyone know how to do this?



Thanks

[bear]

G'day helpless , welcome to the forum.

As our name implies we mainly concentrate on pelple receiving Disability Support, Carers, Old Aged Pensions, those applying for Unlimited Portability and any issues arising throughout those processes.

Below is a link I've found regarding ESAT's, which may answer some of your questions. How long the wait is though, isn't covered.

guides.dss.gov.au/guide-social-security-law/1/1/e/104#:~:text=The%20ESAt%20process%20ensures%20that,job%20seeker's%20employment%20services%20provider.

Decisions relating to our sphere of interest certainly are able to be appealed, through an ARO.(authorized review officer) or the Administrative Appeals Tribunal stages 1 and/or 2 and it's my belief all Services Australia/Centrelink decisions can be appealed through.the same.processes as well.

Perhaps the Australian Unemployed Workers Union would have information more relevant to your circumstances as it's their speciality. Here's hoping for a great outcome for yourself; cheers bear



P.S. Here's another link re ESAT's providing a full breakdown.

www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/topics/employment-services-assessments/37496#a6

"If Centrelink say that they cannot book you in because there are no appointments available, inform them that you will not be leaving until they schedule one and ask them how to make a complaint about their refusal to book you in. It is not your fault they are entirely booked out and you should not be forced to pay for this lack of resources by going to appointments and activities that will aggravate your medical condition.

If they refuse to process your complaint, get the persons name (and a reference number if possible) and call the Commonwealth Ombudsman to make a complaint about there failure to book you in. There number is 1300 362 072 and follow the prompts".

unemployedworkersunion.com/unwell-want-stop-work-dole-get-employment-services-assessment/