Seasonal work incentives will help farmers and unemployed

JULY 13, 2017: The Liberal National 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.This trial will support those looking for work and businesses keen to give workers a start. It's 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. 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 commenced on July 1 for two years and is capped at 7,600 participants.The Liberal National Government believes the best form of welfare is a job, and this 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 that they place with eligible farmers.

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