The critique highlights two major issues within the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations (DLIR) concerning vulnerable groups. First, there is a lack of dedicated resources or "targeted desks" designed specifically to address the unique needs of these groups, such as youth or women facing barriers to employment. This absence indicates a significant gap between the policies that are established (which may articulate the importance of addressing such vulnerabilities) and the implementation of those policies, manifesting in a failure to create effective strategies that could facilitate employment for these demographics. Furthermore, the findings from the National Youth Policy accentuate this disconnect, pointing out that there is insufficient attention paid to critical areas like skill development (which prepares individuals for available jobs) and job matching (which connects job seekers with appropriate employment opportunities). Additionally, the policy identifies persistent gender disparities in access to jobs, further complicating the landscape for vulnerable individuals seeking employment.
The evidence presented from the National Youth Policy 2020-2030 stresses the alarming statistic that 80% of young people are disengaged from the formal education system. This statistic serves as a pivotal indicator of a broader issue, signifying not only gaps in education but also shortcomings in the transition from education to meaningful employment opportunities. The statement also calls attention to the urgent need for strengthening the institutional capacity of the DLIR—this means enhancing the staffing, resources, and mechanisms necessary for the DLIR to effectively implement programs and strategies that can bridge the gap between policy aspirations and tangible outcomes for vulnerable groups. The implication is that without such improvements, the systemic barriers preventing access to education and employment will continue to persist, affecting not just individual young people but the broader economy as well.