Maybe the job centre did their job and did send over the correct cvs, who knows. The point is, there's only one real reason why someone would put such a statement on a job application.
If they're not suited to the role that distinction can be made by the organisation that has been sent the CV. Why would they need someone to specify that for them? Unless that person just didn't want the job.
You're right re. the media.
In a different industry, we still see some job apps here that say "We would particularly welcome applicants from XYZ backgrounds", ridiculous to have any kind of quotas.