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SEASONAL WORK INCENTIVES OFFERS FRESH APPROACH

11 July 2017

11 July 2017

SEASONAL work incentive trials are set to offer unemployed people the opportunity to undertake seasonal horticultural work to help them gain experience and improve their skills according to Federal Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business Michael McCormack.

“The trial will support those looking for work and businesses keen to give workers a start,” Mr McCormack said.

“This is a win-win for local workers and growers in the horticultural industry as they often are in need of short-term labour during peak times and horticultural work offers excellent practical opportunities for people keen to build their skills and gain work experience.

“After recently holding a roundtable with the Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Luke Hartsuyker and local employers and producers in Young, I am aware of the issues faced by local horticulturalists and am excited by the opportunities this trial presents for both the local horticultural industry and people seeking work.”

Minister for Employment, Michaelia Cash, said the Seasonal Work Incentives Trial offers financial incentives to support unemployed people to take up work opportunities for up to six weeks. The $27.5 million trial began on 1 July 2017 and will operate for two years and is capped at 7,600 participants.

“The Liberals and Nationals understand that the best form of welfare is a job,” Minister Cash said.

“The Seasonal Work Incentives Trial is targeted to assist 7,600 unemployed people undertake seasonal horticultural work, such as fruit picking, to get work experience and build their skills.”

The trial’s incentives are available to eligible Newstart and Youth Allowance (Other) recipients who have been receiving those payments continuously for at least three months and are participating in jobactive, Transition to Work or Disability Employment Services.

The incentives include:

  • Participants being able to earn up to $5,000 each year from qualifying seasonal horticultural work without it being assessed under the social security income test.

  • Eligibility for a Seasonal Work Living Away and Travel Allowance of up to $300 each year, if they undertake qualifying seasonal horticultural work more than 120 kilometres from their home.

  • Employment service providers will receive a Provider Seasonal Work Incentive Payment of $100 per week for up to six weeks a year for each eligible person who they place with eligible farmers.

For further information about the trial, please visit www.employment.gov.au or contact Mr McCormack’s Wagga Wagga electorate office. 

ENDS

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