356 Central Queenslanders helped Back to Work

The Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million Back to Work regional jobs program has helped 356 Central Queenslanders back into employment, Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne said.

“To date the $100 million Back to Work program has supported 193 Central Queensland employers to hire 356 local jobseekers,” he said.

Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga said local employers have so far received almost $1.7 million in support payments, money they can use to help grow their business.

“The $20,000 Back to Work Youth Boost is already a great success, with 138 locals aged 15-24 now in jobs.”

Member for Mirani Jim Pearce said the Government’s decision to extend the $20,000 Youth Boost to 31 October 2017 was an opportunity for local business to take advantage of the program.

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said:

“Back to Work is delivering great results in Gladstone, connecting jobseekers with employers, while helping to boost the local economy.”

Employment Minister Grace Grace said the Back to Work program has supported 1,090 employers to hire 2,323 workers in regional Queensland.

“There are a further 807 applications pending approval,” she said.

Back to Work

• Provides employer support payments for eligible employers who hire an unemployed worker
• $10,000 for an unemployed worker
• $15,000 for a long term unemployed worker (out of work for 12 months or more)
• $20,000 for hiring a young jobseeker aged 15-24 (from 1 December 2016 to 31 October 2017)

Businesses can visit www.qld.gov.au/backtowork or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for more information about Back to Work, or to apply for an employer support payment.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548