Last week marked one month since the start of the government's new National Work Experience Program which aims to help job seekers gain valuable experience in workplaces across the country.
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I am a big supporter of this program as it gives job seekers the opportunity to experience a placement in a work-like role so they can showcase their skills to a potential employer.
It also aims to build the confidence and real-life work experience of job seekers and prepare them to meet the expectations of employers.
In an initiative that aims to facilitate a transition into a paid role, employers who go on to offer a young person paid employment after their placement may be eligible to receive a wage subsidy of up to $6500 across 12 months.
Eligible job seekers will be able to volunteer to undertake work experience in businesses for up to 25 hours per week for a maximum of four weeks.
Importantly, job seekers will continue to receive their income support payment while in an unpaid placement together with a supplement to assist with the costs of participation.
For more information please contact a jobactive provider by calling 13 62 68 or by using the search tool at www.jobactive.gov.au.
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In line with its commitment under the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper, the Commonwealth government announced last week that it was providing $3 million to the NSW government to tackle wild dogs, feral animals and pest weeds in drought affected parts of the state.
Wild dogs are estimated to cost our agriculture sector up to $66 million per year in livestock losses, disease transmission and controls-and that does not even account for the distress and frustration wild dog attacks can cause.
The impacts of pest animals are felt even more keenly during drought, putting additional pressure on farm productivity and profitability at a time when farm operations are already under strain.
In NSW, the Local Land Services will deliver projects on the ground and will invite expressions of interest in due course once priorities for pest animal management are finalised between the Australian and NSW governments.
For more information on the Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper please visit agwhitepaper.agriculture.gov.au.
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The Australian government also has a range of additional support measures available for farmers and rural communities experiencing drought and other hardship including concessional loans, income support through the Farm Household Allowance and free financial counselling through the Rural Financial Counselling Service.
For more information visit www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/assistance.
