A Palaszczuk Government program to encourage businesses to employ more Queenslanders has reached a milestone with 18,000 people getting a job.
Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said the successful Back to Work program is giving businesses the confidence they need to be able to create more local jobs.
"We know that some people are still struggling to find the right opportunity and that's what makes Back to Work so successful," Ms Fentiman said.
"We have been committed to improving job prospects for Queenslanders, especially in our regions and this is a milestone to be celebrated."
"Giving businesses the confidence to be able to take on new employees will support them to thrive and grow our economy."
The Back to Work program has been supporting local employers since 2016 to take on eligible unemployed jobseekers.
Wayne Geatches, owner of RAP Injection Moulding in Ipswich employed Joshua who was losing interest in school and looking for a job.
"Joshua is a very hard worker, he listens and is happy to do any task given to him," Mr Geatches said.
"If we weren't able to access funding, Joshua wouldn't be able to work the hours that he does.
"Once he completes 12 months on the Back to Work program learning the business then will be looking at commencing him on an apprenticeship."
Cairns business owner Luke Bartlett started his tourism company four years ago not knowing the challenges he was to face running his own business.
"Thanks to the Back to Work program Luke has been able take on two new employees including one full-time Mature Aged Worker Boost employee," Ms Fentiman said.
The Palaszczuk Government has extended the Back to Work Regional program until 2020.
"I encourage any employer out there, if you are considering taking on someone new for your business, then see if you are eligible for the Back to Work program," she said.
Back to Work Regional Queensland
Support payments* currently available for eligible employers of up to:
- $10,000 for hiring an unemployed worker (a person unemployed for 4 weeks up to 52 weeks)
- $15,000 for hiring a long-term unemployed worker (a person unemployed for 52 weeks or more)
- $20,000 for hiring an unemployed young jobseeker aged 15 – 24 years (a person unemployed for a minimum of 4 weeks)
Regions:
- Wide Bay Burnett
- North Queensland
- Far North Queensland
- Mackay/Whitsunday
- Central Queensland
- North West Queensland
- South West Queensland
Back to Work South East Queensland
Support payments* currently available for eligible employers of
$15,000 for hiring a long-term unemployed worker (a person unemployed for 52 weeks or more)
Regions:
- Ipswich
- Lockyer Valley
- Logan
- Moreton Bay
- Scenic Rim
- Somerset
*Subject to funding availability. Eligibility criteria apply. Figures quoted are for eligible full-time jobs. Eligible part -time jobs attract 75 per cent of the full payment.
Employers are encouraged to visit www.qld.gov.au/backtowork
