Helping hand for regional jobseekers as Back to Work package kicks off

Jobseekers in regional Queensland will be able to get a helping hand from today with the commencement of the Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million Back to Work regional jobs package.

“Our Back to Work officers will connect real employers with real jobseekers,” Employment Minister Grace Grace said.

“These specialist workers will provide on-the-ground support throughout regional Queensland and will be rolled out progressively in the Wide Bay Burnett, North Queensland, Far North Queensland, Mackay/Whitsunday, Central Queensland, North West and South West of the State.

“Regional Queensland is crying out for more jobs, and employers who are looking to hire say they need more help to link with support and assistance to find jobseekers.

“Our Back to Work officers will create the links between employers, business and jobseekers that are needed to kickstart jobs in regional Queensland.”

Ms Grace said the Back to Work program would provide eligible employers with support payments of $10,000 for hiring an unemployed person, rising to $15,000 for long term jobseekers.

“Unlike the LNP’s jobs plan, our program is open to all regional employers and businesses willing to take on a jobseeker – and not just to businesses with a turnover of less than $2 million,” she said

“Employers can access payments four weeks after hiring a worker under our program, as opposed to four year’s under the LNP’s.

“There’s already strong interest in Back to Work, with more than 3,300 unique users visiting the website and 200 requests for more information.

“I want to encourage any regional employer who is looking to hire to take advantage of this program.”

For more information about Back to Work, visit www.qld.gov.au/backtowork.

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548