More than 100,000 of the most disadvantaged Australians, many long-term unemployed welfare recipients, have gained a job through the Federal Government’s wage subsidy program since 2015.
Wage subsidies are playing a strong role in helping some of our most disadvantaged people looking for work get an opportunity to show an employer they are a valuable addition to their business.
Since 1 July 2015, more than 850 job placements have been made in Fairfax thanks to the support of a wage subsidy.
Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said the best form of welfare is a job and the Government is committed to getting as many Australians into work as possible.
“When we came to government we made a strong commitment to create jobs and get people into work. We are delivering on that promise – jobs growth in 2017 was the best year on record and since 2014, we have decreased the number of people on welfare by around 140,000, the lowest proportion it’s been at in at least 25 years,” Minister Cash said.
Mr Ted O’Brien commended the Fairfax businesses who have used the incentive, which provides a subsidy of up to $10,000 (GST inclusive) to employers who hire and retain eligible people in ongoing positions.
“Wage subsidies are available for parents, mature age, youth, long-term unemployed and Indigenous Australians, who are registered with an employment services provider.
“Reaching the 100,000 milestone is clear evidence that the Turnbull Government’s employment policies are working,” Mr O’Brien said.
This targeted incentive is available for Australian businesses to encourage them to employ more people and give more unemployed people a chance to get back into work.
For more information about the available wage subsidies, click here.
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Wage subsidies – types and eligibility
- Indigenous Australians: Can immediately access up to $10,000 if commenced with a jobactive or Transition to Work (TtW) provider.
- Restart: A wage subsidy of up to $10,000 for individuals aged 50 years and over on an eligible DHS–DVA payment. The job seeker must be registered with jobactive, Disability Employment Services (DES), or a Community Development Programme (CDP) provider when the Wage Subsidy Agreement is created. If not registered at the time, he/she must register within 12 weeks.
- Youth Bonus wage subsidy: A wage subsidy of up to $6,500 (Stream A) or $10,000 (Steam B and C) for young people between 15 and 24 years of age (inclusive). Must have commenced with a jobactive or TtW provider and have been receiving employment services for the last six months.
- Youth Wage subsidy. A wage subsidy of up to $6,500 for people between 25 to 29 years of age. Must have commenced with a jobactive provider and have been receiving employment services for the last six months.
- Long-Term Unemployed: A wage subsidy of up to $6,500. Must have commenced with a jobactive or TtW provider and have been receiving employment services for the last 12 months.
- Parents Wage subsidy: A wage subsidy of up to $6,500. Must be in receipt of Parenting Payment or be a Principle Carer Parent. Must have commenced with a jobactive or TtW provider for six months.