Jobs were an obvious focus of last night’s budget and measures included in the $5.5 million Growing Jobs and Small Business Package will support job opportunities for locals seeking work.
Scott Buchholz, Federal Member for Wright, is eager to see the roll-out of the Government’s jobs initiatives in areas such as Beaudesert where unemployment is above the national average.
“It’s vitally important to get local people, particularly young people off of welfare and into work. This Budget lays down a clear strategy to solving the rising unemployment of young people in regional areas”,
“Through the $1.2 billion national wage subsidy pool, eligible employers will receive up to $6,500 if they hire an eligible young job seeker under 30 years of age and the $331 million Youth Employment Strategy will help disengaged young people, aged 15 to 21 years, become job-ready” said Mr Buchholz.
The Youth Employment Strategy includes the $212 million Transition to Work programme for intensive support to vulnerable young people most at risk of long-term unemployment, an initiative that will help numerous disadvantaged young residents develop a brighter future.
Additional items in the Growing Jobs and Small Business package are;
- An $18 million National Work Experience programme for around 6,000 job seekers annually. From 1 October 2015 eligible job seekers will be able to volunteer to undertake work experience in businesses for up to 25 hours per week for four weeks.
- An $14 million Early School Leaver programme which will improve educational outcomes and employment prospects for those who have not completed high school.
Further details on the Government’s Growing Jobs and Small Business package can be found at www.budget.gov.au