The Back To Work Bill which will help deliver on the Andrews Labor Government’s plan to end Victoria’s jobs crisis has passed through the Parliament.
The Bill creates the Back to Work Scheme, which will provide up to $100 million in relief to businesses hiring unemployed youth, the long-term unemployed and retrenched workers, to help create at least 100,000 jobs.
Businesses that hire eligible workers will receive fixed payments to offset the costs associated with hiring extra employees. These include state taxes, training, transport and tools.
All Victorian businesses will be eligible to participate in the scheme, except those with a poor workplace safety record. The scheme will apply to a broad range of eligible employees and it will not discriminate.
An eligible employer will qualify for the scheme after they employ an eligible person for three months. The employer cannot qualify again by terminating that employee and immediately rehiring them.
The State Revenue Office will closely monitor take up rates and industry behaviour to make sure this doesn't happen.
The Bill will now go to the Governor for royal assent.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“Under the Liberals, too many jobs were lost and not enough was done about it. We won’t abandon Victorians.”
“Our plan will support businesses taking on unemployed youth, the long-term unemployed and retrenched workers.”
Quotes attributable to Employment Minister, Jacinta Allan
“We’re getting Victoria back to work because we believe that every job is worth fighting for.”
“This plan is a second chance for the people that the Liberals left behind.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020