Employment Minister meets Gladstone jobseeker on her first day on job

Employment Minister Grace Grace today visited a local business in Gladstone which has taken on a jobseeker as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million Back to Work regional jobs package.

Ms Grace met Lee Crane Hire’s newest recruit on her first day at work and heard how she secured the job through the Back to Work and Skilling Queensland Workers initiatives.

“This is a fantastic outcome for both the employer and the jobseekers, who is now back to work,” she said.

“What you have here is confirmation that our programs are working.

“So far, we have delivered over $400,000 in Employer Support Payments across Queensland since July 1 with close to $100,000 of the payments made in the Central Queensland region.

“The employers have told me that the funding would assist them with providing employment opportunities.

“These payments are giving employers the confidence to take on additional employees providing much needed support to our regions.

 “Our Back to Work Teams on the ground are receiving positive feedback from local businesses and it is encouraging to see so many applications made by business that have taken on a jobseeker since July 1.

“Back to Work specifically targets jobseekers and employers outside the southeast corner and includes payments of up to $10,000 for employers who hire an unemployed worker, and up to $15,000 for the long-term unemployed.

“This is a government focussed on supporting jobs and supporting our regions.” Ms Grace said.

To be eligible, employees need to have started work on, or after Friday 1 July 2016, and have been employed for at least four weeks. 

Back to Work Teams have been appointed for each region to help employers and jobseekers navigate the system and help connect local employers with jobseekers in regional Queensland.

Eligibility criteria apply and payments will be paid to businesses in two parts, the first payment is made after one month, and the balance at the end of the employee’s first year with the business.

Businesses can visit www.qld.gov.au/backtowork  for more information about Back to Work, or to apply for an employer support payment.

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548