Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace said that the pilot would work to find new ways to encourage people to take up opportunities in the horticulture sector, while meeting local growers’ demand for workers.
“We understand the struggles that growers on the Sunshine Coast have had getting workers since this global pandemic, and we know that there are many young people in our region still looking for work. The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring job seekers in regional Australia can find work and to helping growers meet their workforce needs, and that is what this program is all about.” Mr Wallace said.
Under the project, school leavers will participate in pre-induction training for work in the rural sector and will be supported to gain employment in Queensland harvest areas. A video for school leavers ‘Your Career in Agriculture’ will also be produced and distributed throughout the region.
“On top of this, we are also providing relocation assistance to people who move to harvest and regional areas to take up agricultural work.” he said.
From 1 November 2020, relocation assistance has been available to people who relocate to harvest and regional areas to take up short-term agricultural work, including Australians who are not receiving income support and those with the right to work in Australia.
Those relocating to take up short-term agricultural work may be eligible to receive up to $6,000 if they are an Australian worker; or $2,000 if they are visa holders with general work rights in Australia, not restricted to an employer or a type of work.
“Last year the Government extended the original Harvest Trail program to the Sunshine Coast and this continues to provide both employers and potential employees with a platform to come together. If you are a young person looking for work on the Sunshine Coast, I strongly encourage you to visit the Harvest Trail website today and find out more about the opportunities that are out there in our community.” Mr Wallace said.
In Queensland the new trial will be delivered by Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers Limited (GrowCom).
More details on the Harvest Trail can be found at https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest
For more information about Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job visit: https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest/workers/relocation-assistance
