Tasmanians are responding in droves to the Government’s local agricultural jobs campaign, which is encouraging Tasmanians to roll the sleeves up and help our vital primary industries.
This is a great opportunity for Tasmanians looking for work. Around 3500 jobs are advertised on the Harvest Trail, with the Harvest Jobs website* attracting 12,500 hits since the webpage went live.
Our absolute top priority is to get as many Tasmanians as possible to fill these positions, with early results great news for both Tasmanians in need of work and our primary producers.
While this is positive news, we do understand the concerns of industry and we are also actively working with them ahead of the upcoming planting, production and harvest seasons to ensure appropriate resources are in place for a successful harvest .
Furthermore, Tasmania, along with other States and Territories, is in active discussions with the Australian Government regarding temporary changes to JobSeeker to create greater flexibility and support for people seeking seasonal worker jobs.
The Government’s $1.9 million Agricultural Workforce Resilience Package also includes a two-year boost to the Safe Farming Tasmania Program to support businesses to ensure agricultural employees are workforce-ready and workplaces are COVID-19 safe.
WorkSafe Tasmania is recruiting an additional Safe Farming Adviser and working with the Safe Farming Tasmania reference group on plans to support the industry and workers with a COVID safe harvest season.
The Package also includes support for industry resilience, promotion and targeted development of skills and training with funding of $1 million over two years in partnership with peak industry groups. This includes a provision of $250,000 over two years for an industry-sponsored boost to regional transport.
We will continue working closely with industry to ensure they have the workforce they need to harvest produce, which feeds our state and nation.
*https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/harvest-jobs
More Media Releases from Guy Barnett
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water