It’s no secret the pandemic has caused detrimental damage to the Australian job market. In September alone, approximately 1.5 million Australians received JobSeeker payments or the unemployed Youth Allowance. This equates to a substantial 10% of people of working age.
If there’s one silver lining we can take away from these unnerving statistics, it would be the opportunity we now have to source local Australians for local jobs.
Assisting businesses
Many Australian businesses rely heavily on backpackers and foreign workers to meet their labour force requirements. Travel restrictions have prevented foreigners from accessing Australian job opportunities, which has resulted in businesses left worried about how to fill their labour shortages.
Certain industries, such as agriculture, hospitality and tourism depend largely on seasonal and overseas workers. The total number of casual or contract workers on farms at peak season in February 2019 was around 149,000 employees. Out of these workers, approximately 65,000 were from overseas. This includes individuals on Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visas, from the Seasonal Worker Program, or working through the Pacific Labour Scheme.
The consequences of continued ongoing labour shortages will have a negative impact for all Australians if we don’t address this issue. If businesses are unable to turnover, process and distribute at their usual volumes, we’ll inevitably be paying more at shops, cafes or supermarkets for products and produce.
Assisting local people
On the flip side, we recognise there has been just as much hardship for individuals as businesses.
Following the outbreak of the global pandemic, Australians and their families have been faced with financial struggles, stand-downs, redundancies, and a lack of job security. By connecting these people to labour shortages, we can directly combat a dual issue.
From farm hands, meat processors and drivers to sales representatives, chefs, and tradespeople, we have an incredible variety of jobs available across Australia. Our positions extend across a multitude of sectors, and encompass a range of interests, skills, and abilities to suit every Australian worker.
Working in a rural or regional location brings many benefits including…
Stunning landscapes and picturesque scenery
Access to state-of-the-art amenities, sporting facilities and schools
The chance to be an integral part of a thriving community
Competitive pay rates and significantly cheaper accommodation
Uncapped adventure and the chance to explore a new part of the world
Dynamic and diverse working opportunities
Government initiatives
The federal government has offered financial incentives to young Australians on JobSeeker and the Youth Allowance to boost farm production to $100 billion over the next 10 years. We’re expecting to see a shift in people currently residing in metro areas to regional parts of the country as they become enticed by this attractive opportunity.
Some states are also running additional campaigns, for example, the Victorian Government is launching an advertising promotion over television, print and radio that will be translated into various languages. The purpose of this campaign is to target school leavers, international students, migrant communities, and ‘grey nomads’ to consider labouring on farms over the summer months.
The Queensland Government has also launched a ‘Back to Work in Agriculture Scheme’. Employees could potentially be eligible to receive up to $1,500 to help assist with costs associated with travelling and residing in remote locations.
The next step
With unforeseen circumstances arising from the pandemic and an array of incentives available, there has never been a better time for Australians to consider seasonal or regional work.
Labour Solutions Australia has a number of opportunities available within these industries. If you’re considering embarking on the next step of your career journey and want to explore the benefits of a diverse role with uncapped potential register with us today.
Alternatively, if you’re a business experiencing labour shortages, complete our request form. This will allow us to provide a reliable source of highly skilled candidates to meet your requirements.