• WA Government commits $1.5 million to support The Big Issue establish a National
  Customer Support Centre in WA
• Program set to employ up to 100 women over the next five years
• Centre will be operated through The Big Issue’s Women’s Workforce program which
  aims to provide employment and training opportunities for women experiencing
  disadvantage to enable financial empowerment

The Cook Government is supporting women to re-enter the workforce and regain financial
independence by committing $1.5 million to support The Big Issue’s National Customer
Support Centre and Women’s Workforce program in Western Australia.

Currently operating as a National Call Centre, it will be rebranded as a National Customer
Support Centre in Perth. Through this funding, the Perth Women’s Workforce will have an
expanded stream of job opportunities through the National Customer Support Centre, creating
up to 24,000 hours of employment over five years.

The Big Issue’s National Customer Support Centre will provide additional skills training and job
pathways for women experiencing disadvantage. Staff are taught technical skills in customer
support services, helping them to develop expertise and grow their confidence in using
technology and talking to customers.

Since its inception, the Women’s Workforce has employed more than 200 women in four
states, many of whom are victim-survivors of family and domestic violence and come from
culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The initiative has been a catalyst for change, with many women successfully transitioning into other work or training opportunities.

The Big Issue is one of Australia’s longest-standing and most successful social enterprises. For 28 years, they have supported thousands of people living on the margins with employment
opportunities to earn a meaningful income.

Comments attributed to Women’s Interests Minister Sue Ellery:
“We are proud to be supporting this opportunity to help financially vulnerable women gain
economic security.

“Gaining employment is a crucial step for many women and families to get back on their own
two feet and establish a meaningful career.

“I encourage everyone to get out there and buy The Big Issue so it can continue its incredible
work in supporting not only women, but providing meaningful employment to thousands of
people around Australia.”

Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the State and Industry Development, Jobs
and Trade Minister Stephen Dawson:
“Meeting the growing needs of women in Perth who are financially vulnerable and are seeking
guaranteed income and pathways to other employment is vital, and this is just one way the WA
Government can support these outcomes.

“Through this funding, there will be more opportunities for women who have experienced
disadvantage to gain employment, and financial independence.”

Comments attributed to The Big Issue chief executive officer Steven Persson:
“For nearly 15 years, The Big Issue Women’s Workforce program has provided low-barrier
work opportunities for women who are experiencing homelessness and disadvantage.

“Through packing subscriptions to The Big Issue and completing other procurement work, 220
women have been able to access training, mentoring and employment to earn a meaningful
income.

“With the support of the Western Australian Government, The Big Issue can now create
employment for up to 100 women experiencing marginalisation and disadvantage over the
next five years, giving them the opportunity to change their lives.”