New initiative to help businesses find seasonal workers

The Government has announced a Seasonal Work Incentives Trial to help businesses that are in the horticultural sector meet their seasonal labour demands.

Government departments and services Jobactive, Transition to Work and Disability Employment Services will be working alongside farmers to understand the type of people they are looking to recruit on a seasonal, short-term basis.

These roles can include picking and packing fruit, nuts or other crops in the more rural areas of Australia. Farmers are being encouraged to take part in the trial.

This two-year trial will offer financial incentives to support and encourage people to take up temporary seasonal work of up to six weeks. There will be additional allowances available for employees if the work is located more than 120 km from their place of residence.

The Australian Taxation Office is encouraging farmers and small businesses in the horticultural sector to contact their nearest employment services provider to discuss their labour requirements and to see if they can qualify for the trial.

Further information can be found on the Government website here.

Date published 10 Aug 2017 | Last updated 11 Aug 2017