$6K incentive to move for work just not enough

Jobless Aussies have shunned a $6000 relocation package to move for farm work, as a new plea goes up for students, retirees and people looking for a change to give it a go.

Less than 1000 Aussies were willing to do four weeks fruit picking in regional towns in the four months since May, despite the offer of $6000 reimbursements to relocate.

Employment Minister Stuart Robert will be in Cairns on Tuesday to renew the plea for Australians looking for work to give farming a go.

The AgMove scheme, introduced to help the farming workforce crisis, increased incentives to get out-of-work Australians into agriculture jobs.

Backpackers picking strawberries. Australians have been shunning fruit picking word. Picture: Lachie Millard

It secured 3600 job seekers nationwide, including 1400 Queenslanders, who were willing to take up the offer and lend a hand, more than double the rate of its predecessor scheme.

But less than a quarter of these were willing to do the full 120 hours over four weeks, which would qualify them for the full $6000 reimbursement.

Instead the bulk of workers opted for at least 40 hours over two weeks.

The labour shortage has been caused by the closure of international borders, which saw the usual workforce of backpackers leave the country in large numbers.

Agriculture Minister David Littleproud warned earlier this month there was expected to be a 30,000 worker shortage by February in horticulture alone.

Mr Robert said he was urging job seekers to take up harvest work regardless of their experience, with the harvesttrail.gov.au website detailing where jobs can be found.

“There are hundreds of jobs available on farms across the region right now. Whether you want to pick paw paws in Mareeba, melons in Ayre or vegetables in Atherton, there are jobs available, and we’ll help you get there,” he said.

Employment Minister Stuart Robert. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Gary Ramage

“This is a unique opportunity for job seekers, including school leavers aged 17 and over, working holiday makers or those looking for a change to explore Far North Queensland and earn an income.”

The AgMove reimbursement scheme continues until the end of the year, so workers will be able to apply for the relocation allowance.

In the meantime, changes were recently announced to simplify the Pacific Labour Scheme and Seasonal Worker programs, as well as an to bring in workers from overseas if more places are provided through on-farm quarantine.