Seasonal Work Incentives offer fresh approach for Wide Bay

4/07/2017

Seasonal Work Incentives offer fresh approach for Wide Bay

The Coalition Government’s Seasonal Work Incentives Trial offers a range of incentives for unemployed people to undertake seasonal horticultural work to help them gain experience and improve their skills.

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien today said the trial will support those looking for work and businesses keen to give workers a start.

“This is a win-win for local job seekers and growers in the horticultural industry, as growers are often are in need of short-term labour during peak times,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Horticultural work offers excellent practical opportunities for people keen to build their skills and gain work experience.”

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 will commence from 1 July 2017 for two years and is capped at 7,600 participants.

“The best form of welfare is a job and 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,” Mr O’Brien said.

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 that they place with eligible farmers.

For further information about the trial, please visit www.employment.gov.au.