Australians are encouraged to take up seasonal work opportunities in horticulture as part of a collaboration trial funded by the Morrison Government.
The Harvest Trail Service, which has been expanded into 16 regions, will ensure major horticulture areas have access to the workers they need.
Five organisations are being funded as part of the $1 million Harvest Trail Services Industry Collaboration Trial to find new ways to encourage people to take up opportunities in the horticulture sector, while meeting employer demand.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said the trial will test-run different ways to promote harvest work to Australian job seekers.
"We know growers are struggling to find the labour they need, which is why Harvest Trail Services is as important as ever," Minister Cash said.
"As part of Harvest Trail Services, we have provided additional funds to a number of growers groups for them to develop innovative approaches to promote new opportunities in the horticulture sector."
The organisations selected are:
- Fruit Growers Victoria Limited
- Northern Territory Farmers Association Incorporated
- Queensland Fruit and Vegetable Growers Limited (GrowCom)
- Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers Cooperative Limited
- AUSVEG Limited
"These funding opportunities range from pre-employment projects, mentoring, training, development of videos, engagement with school leavers, and social media campaigns.
"The Morrison Government is committed to ensuring job seekers in regional Australia can find work and to help growers meet their workforce needs.
"On top of this, we are also providing relocation assistance to people who relocate to harvest and regional areas to take up agricultural work."
From 1 November 2020, relocation assistance is 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 a visa holder with general work rights, not restricted to an employer or a type of work, to work in Australia.
More details on the Harvest Trail can be found at https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest
