Jobs are the Hodgman Liberal Government’s number one priority and it’s clear that our long term plan is working with 14,400 more Tasmanians in work since we came to office.
There is always more to be done, which is why we are working to deliver our target to reduce youth unemployment to at or below the national average by 2022.
Through targeted initiatives, the Hodgman Liberal Government is investing in key areas and programs to ensure more Tasmanians are able to find employment.
One way we are encouraging businesses to take on more employees, while boosting our skilled workforce is through the Small Business Grants Program, which encourages businesses to take on more apprentices and trainees.
In its first year, the Small Business Grants Programs was extremely well received, with three times the applicants expected and over 500 employers approved for support.
This grants program, along with the Hodgman Government’s Payroll Tax Rebate Scheme is seeing many more Tasmanians employed and receiving training in the building and construction, tourism and hospitality, and advanced manufacturing sectors.
During 2017-18, 147 employers were paid a total of $2.33 million in Payroll Tax Rebates, and for the four months to 31 October 127 employers are claiming $1.43 million under the Scheme, supporting the employment of 1,317 apprentices and trainees, and 226 youth employees.
This is an excellent result with these initiatives alone supporting the employment of up to 4500 apprentices and trainees and provide work for young Tasmanians, while keeping them in the State.