JOBSEEKERS who take up seasonal horticulture work will be eligible for a $2,430 bonus as part of a taxpayer-funded scheme to attract more Australians into farm work.
The new $10M ‘Seasonal Harvest Sign-on Bonus’ will be provided in two payments, with $810 paid after two weeks of work and a further $1,620 paid after an additional six weeks of work.
To be eligible, workers need to complete at least 10 days’ work within a one-month period to receive the first bonus and at least another 30 days within a three-month period for the additional payment.
The agriculture industry, normally reliant on international workers, has faced labour shortfalls this harvest season in light of national and state border restrictions.
Australian citizens willing to work in the field have not made up the difference, despite government incentives.
The measure is designed to complement the plan to bring up to 1,500 Pacific Islander workers to the state, via a quarantine period in Tasmania, to help manage this year’s harvest.
Minister for Agriculture, Mary-Anne Thomas, spruiked the bonus by saying, “It’s a big day’s work, but the reward can be just as big – the Sign-on Bonus means jobseekers can take home almost $2,500 on top of their wage.”
“We’ve said from the start that while Pacific Islander workers will be important to the harvest’s success, it’s not a silver bullet. We’re doing all that we can to help our farmers get their produce to market – but we need a national approach.”
Victorian Farmers Federation president, Emma Germano, described the move as a step in the right direction, however its effects were more likely long-term rather than a short-term fix.
“There’s a clear need for more Australians on farms and often when people go to work on them they’re paid right and it’s a really enjoyable and rewarding experience,” Ms Germano said.
“You’re not stuck in an office all day, you’re out working the land in some of Victoria’s most beautiful areas.”
For further details about how to apply for the sign-on bonus, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/bigharvest.
