November 10, 2016
Regional employers now have a double incentive to hire unemployed young people … a $20,000 kickback for a short time from the State Government.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced in Parliament on Thursday that the State Government’s $10,000 incentive would be doubled.
“Youth unemployment was unacceptably high in some regions and my government is redoubling its efforts to address this challenge,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“This is a massive incentive for businesses to hire, especially as school leavers start to look for work after Christmas.
“This offer applies to unemployed people aged between 15-24 and expires on February 28, 2017.
“So when the Back to Work ‘Youth Boost’ opens on December 1, employers will need to act quickly.”
Treasurer Curtis Pitt announced the $100 million Back to Work scheme in the State Budget offering $10,000 to businesses who took on an unemployed worker and $15,000 when they hired a long-term unemployed worker (out of work for 12 months or more).
“Our resolve to drive down regional youth unemployment is unwavering which is why we’re offering a specific bonus to regional businesses who hire young people,” Mr Pitt.
“That’s why for every 15-24 jobseeker a business hires between December 1, 2016, and February 28, 2017, my Government will double the existing $10,000 Back to Work payment.”
Employment Minister Grace Grace said the Back to Work scheme would still only be available to regional employers.
“The new Back to Work ‘Youth Boost’ has been strategically timed to coincide with the end of the senior school year,” Ms Grace said.
