Employment Minister Stuart Robert reveals new federal government plan to recruit more workers to NT farms

Federal Employment Minister Stuart Robert has announced new measures aimed at getting more workers onto Territory farms.

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EMPLOYMENT, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Minister Stuart Robert has announced new measures aimed at getting more workers onto Territory farms.

In Darwin today, Minister Robert said the Morrison Government would be implementing a new, more flexible approach to its Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job program for short-term agricultural work.

He also signalled that changes may be on the way to give grey nomads and international students more flexibility to take up jobs to help solve the Territory’s critical staff shortage.

“We have talked to businesses and industry stakeholders and the Top End of Australia desperately needs staff,” Minister Robert said.

“Everywhere I go I am talking to small businesses here that need staff.

“We have businesses closing at 2pm because they cannot get enough workers.”

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Minister Robert said he did not want to pre-empt what Treasurer Josh Frydenberg would be announcing in Tuesday’s federal budget.

However, he said assistance to support people take up short-term agricultural work would be delivered through a support program to be called ‘AgMove’

AgMove incentives will see Australians eligible for up to $2,000 in relocation assistance (or $650 for temporary visa holders) when they complete 40 hours of agricultural work over a two-week period.

He said the incentives would more than halve the current eligibility period for reimbursement from six weeks to just two.

Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Minister Stuart Robert. Picture: Russell Millar

He also said if workers continue in agricultural work and complete 120 hours across a period of at least four weeks, they will hit a second eligibility point where they will be able to access reimbursement of up to $6,000 for Australian workers and up to $2,000 for temporary visa holders.

“AgMove meets industry needs by making agricultural work more attractive and accessible to workers who can relocate to help farmers during busy periods,’ Minister Robert said.

‘Whether you’re a student on university break, on a working holiday or an experienced long-time worker, the Australian Government is providing you the flexibility needed to give agricultural jobs a go.”