Budget 2016: ‘Vulnerable’ young Queensland job seekers to get $750 million in support through new scheme

ABOUT 120,000 young Queenslanders considered “vulnerable’’ will be recruited into a $750 million training scheme to help them into the workforce, but there’s a catch.

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ABOUT 120,000 young people considered “vulnerable’’ will be recruited into a $750 million training scheme to help them into the workforce, but they will have to wait until April next year for a start.

With youth unemployment in some areas of regional Queensland reaching above 30 per cent the Government will initiate a three-pronged program with incentives for business to take on young workers.

The Turnbull Government will start a Prepare-Trial-Hire scheme to firstly give young people the basic skills to enter the workforce.

In the second stage of the program, also starting in April, 2017, up to 30,000 young people will be eligible for internships lasting between a month and three months in which businesses will be given a $1000 upfront incentive to act as host and job seekers will be paid $200 a fortnight in addition to their income support.

The third stage of the programs will start in January, next year, when business will also be able to access a youth bonus wage subsidy of between $6500 and $10,000 paid over six months to take on an eligible job seeker.

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said a further $88 million will be used to encourage young people to start a business and create their own job. Picture: Kym Smith

The scheme will not be targeted to any region and will only cost about $250 million in new funding.

Big cuts to programs like work for the dole will help pay for the program.

More than $1.1 billion over four years will also be saved by scrapping the Jobs for Families package and another $247 million will be saved by efficiencies in the industry skills fund..

Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said a further $88 million will be used to encourage young people to start a business and create their own job.

“These measure, combined with existing initiatives will put young job seekers on a positive pathway to finding and keeping a job as we work towards growing our new economy,’’ Senator Cash said.

“These three incentives ... have been proven to help young people get a job and stay in a job.’’

Originally published as Budget 2016: ‘Vulnerable’ young Queensland job seekers to get $750 million in support through new scheme