Incentive to work in the regions

WORKERS relocating to a regional area to take up agricultural work could receive up to $6000 under the Federal Government’s Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job program.

Federal Member for O’Connor said people relocating to take up short-term agricultural work may be eligible to receive up to $6000 if they are an Australian worker; or $2,000 if they are a visa holder with general work rights, not restricted to an employer or a type of work, to work in Australia.

The Federal Government has made changes to the existing Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job program with $17.4 million provided in the 2020-21 Budget for relocation support to attract workers to farms and regional areas.

Mr Wilson said this funding will provide financial support to job seekers who temporarily relocate to take up agricultural work of at least six weeks.

“Regional areas such as Manjimup are facing unprecedented pressure on labour supply as a result of COVID-19,” Mr Wilson said.

“These changes will support farmers in these regions so farm produce does not go to waste.

“We don’t want crops going unpicked and food rotting on farms, which will be devastating for farmers and regional communities, and will see increased prices of produce in our supermarkets.”

Starting Sunday, November 1, relocation assistance is now available to people who relocate to harvest and regional areas to take up agricultural work, including Australians who are not receiving income support and those with the right to work in Australia.

The Morrison Government is also investing a further $9 million in the Seasonal Worker Program to ensure employers can meet critical seasonal labour needs, as well as $21.9 million to support initiatives to connect more young Australians to youth specialist employment services and targeted assistance.

This includes reducing the waiting period for early school leavers who are not in receipt of income support to access the specialist youth service “Transition to Work”.