Small to medium size employers in Queensland have received a welcome incentive to increase their workforce following the State Budget announcement yesterday.
From 1 July 2016 if Small to Medium Enterprises (SME’s) employ a job seeker in a role located outside South East Queensland, they may be eligible for payments of up to $15,000 through the Back to Work Regional Jobs Package.
Employment Minister Grace Grace said the Back to Work initiative would be available only in areas outside South East Queensland.
“Our Back to Work initiative is all about bringing more jobs to regional Queensland,” Ms Grace said.
“It’s a $100 million package that will give businesses the confidence to employ regional job seekers, while providing an economic boost to the regions in challenging times”.
“We’re specifically targeting regional Queensland communities because of the particular employment challenges they’re facing.”
“Regional employers who hire an eligible unemployed person will get a $10,000 payment under this initiative,” Ms Grace said.
“This will rise to $15,000 for the long-term unemployed who have been out of work for 12 months or more”.
BUSY At Work CEO, Paul Miles said BUSY welcomed the announcement.
“This is great news for employers in regions that are doing it tough, as it will provide them with support to help build their skills base and upskill and retrain people for jobs”.
“Apprentices and trainees are also regarded as eligible employees, provided their employer is not eligible for the Government’s payroll tax rebate. That is employers whose total annual wages are under the payroll tax threshold of $1.1 million,” Mr Miles said.
Eligible employees will also have access to job readiness support to help them start their new job. This may include training, purchasing new equipment and uniforms or gaining or renewing trade licenses
Back to Work officers will work across the following regions: Outback, Far North, Townsville, Wide Bay, Fitzroy, Mackay, and South West Queensland.
The South East Queensland region is not eligible for funding under the program in recognition of the unique employment challenges facing regional Queensland.
To be eligible for the support payments, your new employee must:
- commence employment on, or after, 1 July 2016
- be employed for at least four weeks before you can apply
MEDIA CONTACT: Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
0438 173 960 leanne.macnamara@busyatwork.com.au
