In an effort to ensure our agriculture sector has access to the labour force it needs over the coming months, the Government has made changes to the existing Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job program with $17.4 million provided in relocation support to attract farm workers. The funding will provide financial support to job seekers who temporarily relocate to take up agricultural work of at least six weeks.
This move to support critical food production is to ensure farm produce does not go to waste and will help the agricultural sector play a key role in Australia’s economic recovery.
From 1 November 2020, relocation assistance will be available to people who relocate to harvest and regional areas to take up agricultural work, including Australians who are not receiving income support and those with the right to work in Australia.
Those relocating to take up short-term agricultural work may be eligible to receive up to $6,000 if they are an Australian worker; or $2,000 if they are a visa holder with general work rights, not restricted to an employer or a type of work, to work in Australia.
