• The Centre for International Economics (CIE) has been engaged by National Employment Services Association (NESA) to conduct the 2026 survey of the employment services workforce. The survey has received funding support from the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) to build a better understanding of the employment services sector and its workforce. This year’s survey is a streamlined and refocused version of the Australian Employment Services Survey of Remuneration and HRM Performance, intended to make it easier for providers to complete. It aims to capture insight on today’s workforce issues that matter to your organisation, asking about the size, composition, remuneration, and skills of your workforce — as well as the recruitment, retention, and other workforce challenges you face. The findings will help you compare your organisation and challenges to the sector as a whole, and contribute to greater understanding of the employment services sector.

  • We are inviting you to take part because your organisation provides employment services under an employment services-related program.

    We want to hear from as many providers as possible, so the survey reflects a broad range of experiences and perspectives.

  • Yes. In recognition of the time taken to complete this survey, all respondents that provide an email address will be sent a $50 gift card redeemable online for any purchase. One lucky respondent chosen at random will receive a $500 voucher. Vouchers will be emailed to you when the survey closes, and we will follow up with you to ensure you have received it.

  • This survey should be completed by someone at your organisation with a good overview of your employment services workforce and service delivery, such as a manager, program lead, or HR representative. You may consult colleagues if needed.

  • The survey should take at least 30 minutes to complete.

  • Yes! Your progress is saved automatically. If you need to stop partway through, you can close the survey and return later using the same survey link on the same device and browser.

  • We strongly recommend you complete every question, which will let you have your say, and help provide evidence to decision makers regarding employment services programs you deliver. If you skip any question, your answers to other questions will still be used and will be helpful for the study.

  • Participation is voluntary. By participating, you will have the opportunity to share your views, experiences, and insights, which will help shape the future design and direction of employment services programs. Your feedback is valuable and can influence future decisions and improvements. If you choose to start the survey, you can stop at any time without providing a reason. There are no consequences if you decide not to participate or to withdraw before completing the survey.

  • We do not expect any significant risks from participating. Your responses will be kept confidential. You can stop the survey at any time, and you can request that your information be removed.

  • Your responses will be used for this study and reported in summary form.

    Information collected through the survey will be kept confidential, and your organisation will not be identified in reports or publications without permission.

    Survey data will be stored securely on encrypted systems within Australia in line with standard research data management practices.

    If you think there has been a breach of your privacy, you can write to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, GPO Box 5288 Sydney NSW 2001 or call 1300 363 992. 

  • The survey will close at 5pm on Friday the 21st of August. We encourage participants to complete this survey early to enable some results to be shared at the 2026 NESA Conference.

  • ‍If you have any questions or concerns about the research, please contact Sarina Lacey, Principal of Health and Human Services at the CIE on 0418 245 560 or slacey@thecie.com.au. 

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