Getting Queenslanders back to work on the farm

A program that encourages Queenslanders to fill short-term labour demands in agriculture, including incentive payments up to $1500 to help with travel and accommodation, has been expanded statewide.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said under the Back to Work In Agriculture Incentive Scheme, workers could be eligible for a $1500 payment to assist with accommodation and transport costs associated with travelling and living in remote locations.

“The Federal Government is also offering up to $6,000 for Australian jobseekers to relocate for farming jobs, and our incentive scheme is additional to that,” Mr Furner said.

“We started this program in the Wide Bay and Darling Downs regions to support harvesting activities, and now we’re opening it up to other farming areas of Queensland.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to see parts of Queensland you may not have visited before, and experience a fulfilling working holiday.

“Applicants can work for different eligible employers at a range of places depending on available work.”

Mr Furner said he was pleased with the early stages of the incentive scheme, and it would now be available to farms statewide.

“We would love to see Queenslanders taking up these jobs,” Mr Furner said.

“It is a real life experience, can put some money in your pocket and let you enjoy some of the great sights of regional Queensland.

“We will continue to work closely with industry to support their labour needs and help Queenslanders into jobs.”

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is managing this program and applications can be made through the Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) application portal.

The criteria employees will need to meet is outlined in the guidelines.

Applications will close once all funding has been allocated, or before 30 June 2021.

Queensland Agriculture Workforce Network (QAWN) officers are available to help. Just contact an officer in your area on 13 25 23, or visit daf.qld.gov.au (search for back to work).

The Back to Work in Agriculture Incentive Scheme is part of Queensland’s Economic Recovery Strategy: Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs to help accelerate the state’s recovery from COVID-19.

ENDS

Media contact:          Ron Goodman                        0427 781 920