Jobs program helps more than 2000 Queenslanders Back to Work

More than 2000 Queenslanders are now back on the job thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s $100 million Back to Work regional jobs program.

“Already the $100 million Back to Work program has supported 987 employers to hire 2103 workers in regional Queensland,” Employment Minister Grace Grace said.

“There are a further 759 applications pending approval, taking the number of people supported back to work through this program to 2,862.

“Small to medium sized business are leading the way, with 445 applications from businesses with one to four employees and 704 applications from businesses employing 5 to 19 people.

“Regional employers have so far received almost $9.6 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 588 people aged 15-24 now in jobs and a further 514 applications pending.

“We’ve extended the $20,000 Youth Boost to 31 October 2017, and I want to encourage regional employers to take advantage of this great initiative.”

Jobs Supported by $100 million Back to Work Regional Jobs Program

Far North Queensland 495

North Queensland 449

Mackay-Whitsunday 311

Central Queensland 321

Wide Bay 388

North West Queensland 60

South West Queensland 79

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