Regional businesses give 5,500 youth a boost into employment

Almost 5,500 young unemployed Queenslanders have had a fresh start and a chance at employment, thanks to the Palaszczuk Government’s Back to Work Youth Boost Payment.

Employment Minister Shannon Fentiman in Rockhampton today said the second stage of Youth Boost was due to begin on 30 June 2018, but as a result of the overwhelming success of stage one, the Palaszczuk Government will be bringing the start date forward.

“This will be an early Christmas present for young jobseekers and businesses looking to expand,” she said.

“Eligible employers will be able to continue to apply for payments of up to $20,000 for hiring an unemployed jobseeker aged between 15 and 24 years.”

As a result of commitments made during the recent election campaign the Regional Back to Work program, including the Youth Boost, would be extended for a further two years to 30 June 2020, with additional funding of $155 million committed.

“The Youth Boost Payment extension was due to the enthusiastic response it received from employers,” Ms Fentiman said.

“This has meant that almost 5,500 unemployed young people in regional Queensland have commenced employment since the Youth Boost Payment was introduced just over a year ago.

“This is a fantastic result and the success of this program has added to the 143,400 jobs that have been created under the Palaszczuk Government.”

Brett Spreadborough from Fantastic Landscaping in Rockhampton said the funding from Back to Work gave him the financial confidence to employ extra staff.

“This program has given me the confidence to employ landscaper's assistants, Mark Cummins and Murphy Brown,” he said.

“They are now skilled and valuable members of the team and I intend on keeping them on as long-term employees.”

Ms Fentiman said over 3,200 regional Queensland employers have had the confidence to hire a young jobseeker as a direct result of the program.

“Our Government is committed to supporting people like Brett and creating jobs for Queenslanders to grow our economy – together.”

Back to Work Regional Queensland * 

Support payments currently available for eligible employers of up to: 

• $10,000 for hiring an unemployed worker (a person unemployed for 4 weeks up to 52 weeks)
• $15,000 for hiring a long-term unemployed worker (a person unemployed for 52 weeks or more)
• $20,000 Youth Boost for hiring a young jobseeker aged 15-24 years

 *Eligibility criteria applies

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

ENDS

Media Contact:          Inga Williams                                   0410 769 711