Jobactive agencies to reap millions amid soaring coronavirus unemployment

A report by think tank Per Capita estimates the injection of service fees to the sector to reach $210m

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Australia's privately run employment service agencies are set for a massive windfall as the Covid-19 pandemic pushes hundreds of thousands out of work, with some experts putting the additional cost to the taxpayer at more than $200m.

The estimate, contained in a report by Per Capita released on Tuesday, has prompted the progressive think tank to call for a review of the current system, which is expected to come under unprecedented strain amid soaring unemployment.