The law does not define 'suitable' paid work, but says that Centrelink must look at your own circumstances. However, suitable paid work can include any work similar to your usual work, casual, part-time or temporary work, work for which you are currently skilled, and work that you are capable of undertaking.

Paid work may be unsuitable for you for any reason particular to your case. However, some kinds of work are always considered unsuitable, and youcan’t be required this kind of work. This includes work that:

Note that there is a general policy that people can be expected to travel up to 90 minutes each way unless this is not reasonable for you. Work requiring more travel than this is generally considered unsuitable.

However, if you volunteer to look for work outside your area, you risk being required to undertake jobs outside your area, and these jobs will be considered suitable. The same principle applies if you volunteer to move to find work.

In addition, if you are assessed as having a “partial capacity to work”, or you are a “principal carer” of at least one child, suitable paid work does not include work where: the journey between home and work would normally exceed 60 minutes.

If you are assessed as having a “partial capacity to work”, or you are a “principal carer” of at least one child, Centrelink will consider whether you would be financially worse off (or the financial benefit would be “marginal” - assessed at $25 per week or less after costs) by undertaking the work, due to child care, travel and disability-related costs.

If you are assessed as having a “partial capacity to work”, a job may be unsuitable if it does not provide appropriate support or facilities to take account of your illness,disability or injury, or if the personal care or disability aids costs are excessive.

Another reason work would be considered unsuitable is if it is not “consistent with prevailing community standards”. This includes work in the sex industry. Work would also be considered unsuitable is if it is illegal!

In determining whether work is suitable,Centrelink does not have to take into account your work preference, but where there is work available in your preferred field, you may be able to argue that your interest, skills and work history strengthen your ability to find work in that field. On the other hand, Centrelink may expect you to broaden your job search, especially where you are having difficulty finding work in your chosen field.

Also, the provision of appropriate training by the employer, and your access to child care need to be taken into account.