The state government is investing $4.45 million to assist the urgent mobilisation of a seasonal and regional workforce in South Australia in response to the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

The funding will help create a multi-pronged approach to fill vacancies and boost employment in key areas in regional South Australia over the next six to 12 months including this crucial time leading up to Christmas.

The program will include incentives of up to $2,000 for students moving to regions to take up regional jobs. Additional support will also be available for businesses bringing workers into South Australia as part of the Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labour Scheme to fill critical roles.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham says COVID-19 restrictions such as border closures had significantly impacted agriculture, tourism and hospitality in regional South Australia.

“Seasonal workers play a crucial role in South Australia’s economy and just like many other sectors our agriculture industry has been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic with border restrictions reducing the amount of international and interstate travellers,” he says.

“With South Australia's peak picking season starting this month, and requiring almost 9,000 seasonal workers by January, we need to urgently mobilise a seasonal and regional workforce.

“Our agricultural sector has already shown much resilience during 2020, but now we need to provide them with additional support to make sure workers are available to help harvest crops and put food on Australian family tables especially in the lead up to Christmas.

 “This extra support follows on from our successful Seasonal Jobs SA website which has advertised more than 3,500 jobs and had more than 100,000 page views since its launch in May.”

Minister for Skills and Innovation David Pisoni says the seasonal workers support package is not just aimed at the agriculture sector with other industries struggling to fill positions.

“In addition to agriculture, we recognise there are shortfalls in employees in the tourism and hospitality sectors, with all of these areas significant contributors to the South Australian economy,” he says.

“Our $4.45 million support package will help to address workforce issues right across regional South Australia and link those seeking work with positions available.

“Work on the land has not stopped as a result of COVID-19, rather this pandemic has just created additional challenges for those in the regions.”

For more information on the Regional Jobs and Incentive Program visit the website. 

Image by Jeff Klugiewicz from Pixabay