Butcher: Program to give businesses confidence on hiring young people

“This is a huge investment that’s helped 1,089 people get jobs in 455 businesses right here in Gladstone.”

CQ Taxation Services proprietor Allison Totorica.

A new employment program established to support businesses, young people and employees is now open for applications.

The Palaszczuk Government’s revitalised $140 million Back to Work employment program will help businesses hire new staff, give young people jobs and

Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said more than $10.6 million had been invested in the Gladstone region since 2016.

“This is a huge investment that’s helped 1,089 people get jobs in 455 businesses right here in Gladstone,” Mr Butcher said.

“Back to Work will give businesses the confidence to take a chance on the new staff they need to grow, and I am so pleased the Palaszczuk Government is making this $140 million investment.

“This program helps all Queenslanders, but especially our young people here in Gladstone looking for their first job.”

Mr Butcher said the eligible businesses could receive payments up to $15,000 under the Back to Work Support program if they employ job seekers including long term unemployed, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and people with disability.

“There’ll be a $20,000 Youth Boost payment for eligible businesses to employ an eligible Queenslander aged between 15- 25,” he said.

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer said the refreshed program, unveiled in this year’s State Budget, would provide greater access to on-the-ground support for employers and disadvantaged job seekers.

“The Palaszczuk Government put investing in skills and backing small business at the heart of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan because we believe wherever you are in Queensland, you deserve the chance to get a good job,” Minister Farmer said.

“We fund these job creating initiatives not only because they provide vital career opportunities to Queenslanders, but because they help small businesses too: over 80 per cent of employers benefiting from Back to Work are small businesses.

“Across the state small businesses are telling me that trying to get people to fill the jobs they have is a major challenge.

“Since 2016, the Back to Work program has seen more than 25,500 people get into work because of the assistance provided to more than 12,000 employers.”

Gladstone business CQ Taxation Services is one business that has benefited from the program.

Owner Allison Totorica said within three months, Back to Work employee Nita had proven herself invaluable.

“Nita will be an even greater asset as she continues her Certificate III in Business Administration studies,” Ms Totorica said.

“Nita’s overseas qualification was not recognised in Australia and the Back to Work program has given me the funding to help her transfer her skill set and learn to meet our industry standards.

“It’s really great to be able to give her a chance and also help my small business grow at the same time.

“Without Back to Work this would not have been possible and I am grateful for the assistance.”

The application cap on employers reset to zero on July 1 2021. This means an eligible employer may make a further four applications under the revitalised Back to Work program.

For more information about the program visit qld.gov.au/backtowork