Try, Test and Learn Fund generates nearly 400 ideas

The Turnbull Government’s Try, Test and Learn Fund has received 389 ideas from individuals and organisations on how to help move groups of young people from welfare to work.

Idea submissions for the first tranche of the $96.1 million Fund closed on Friday 24 February.

The priority groups for this tranche are young parents, young carers and young students at risk of moving to long-term unemployment. The selection of these groups was based on evidence from last year’s Australian Priority Investment Approach to Welfare’s Baseline Valuation Report.

Minister for Social Services, Christian Porter, said individuals, academics, businesses, the non-government sector and other government agencies have shown great interest in the Fund.

“The breadth of ideas we received from across Australia to help young parents, young carers and young students move from welfare to work has been very pleasing,” the Minister said.

“Throughout the application period there was genuine engagement from across the community in all states and territories.

“The ideas we have received are varied, ranging from developing new online platforms for students, through to working with employers to provide young parents more flexible work arrangements, through to linking priority group members with training and guaranteed jobs, and many others.

“The quantity and quality of ideas really shows that the non-government and government sectors, individuals, academics and businesses are deeply committed to working with the Turnbull Government to improve the lives of young Australians trapped in the welfare system.

“The hundreds of individuals and organisations from all corners of Australia that submitted an idea should be congratulated.

“Thank you for coming to the table, having an honest discussion, and submitting an innovative idea that can help young Australians have a better chance of independence.”

All ideas are initially assessed for eligibility for the Fund and the most promising will be shortlisted for further development.

Shortlisted ideas will enter a co-development stage, involving refinement and co-design of the idea in preparation for funding. Organisations and individuals who have submitted ineligible ideas will be provided advice on their submissions by the Department of Social Services. They may consider resubmitting an idea in future tranches of the Fund.

It is expected that successful ideas will be announced in May, with implementation to begin soon after.

The Fund is expected to open for further idea submissions several times over multiple years.

To view eligible ideas visit engage.dss.gov.au–all eligible ideas will be progressively posted to this site as they are assessed.

More information about the Try, Test and Learn Fund and the Priority Investment Approach is available on the Department of Social Services’ website–dss.gov.au/priority-investment-approach

Try, Test and Learn Fund idea submissions by priority group (noting some ideas are targeted at more than one priority group)

• Young carers: 138
• Young parents: 193
• Young students: 222