The Australian Government’s new Seasonal Work Incentives Trial offers a range of incentives for the unemployed to undertake seasonal horticultural work, helping gain experience and improve skills.

Local MP Sussan Ley said the trial will support people looking for work and businesses keen to give those workers ‘a start’.

“This is a win-win for local workers and growers in the horticultural industry who are often in need of short-term labour during peak times. Horticultural work offers excellent practical opportunities, particularly for young people keen to develop work experience and new skills.”

The Seasonal Work Incentives Trial offers financial incentives to support unemployed people to take up work opportunities for up to six weeks. The $27.5 million trial will run for two years and is capped at 7,600 participants. The incentives include:

• Participants being able to earn up to $5,000 each year from qualifying seasonal horticultural work without it being assessed under the social security income test.

• Eligibility for a Seasonal Work Living Away and Travel Allowance of up to $300 each year, if they undertake qualifying seasonal horticultural work more than 120 kilometres from their home.

• Employment service providers will receive a Provider Seasonal Work Incentive Payment of $100 per week for up to six weeks a year for each eligible person that they place with eligible farmers.

The trial incentives are available to eligible Newstart and Youth Allowance (Other) recipients who have been receiving those payments continuously for at least three months and are participating in jobactive, Transition to Work or Disability Employment Services.

For further information about the trial, please visit the official website.