This page provides information about the government incentives available when employing staff. It also provides links to information on awards, wages and conditions of employment, workplace safety, and your superannuation obligations as an employer.
On this page:
Apprentices
Indigenous Australians
Long term unemployed
Mature age people
Migrants
People with disability
Work experience job seekers
Other employer resources
From 1 July 2009, a new employment services system will be introduced in Australia.
Apprentices
Employers hiring an Australian apprentice may be eligible for a range of federal and state government incentives and personal assistance starting from $1,250 for most employers with apprentices studying for Certificate II IV, together with some targeted Diploma and Advanced Diploma qualifications. These incentives stimulate employers to offer employment-based training opportunities that will encourage people to acquire and expand their working skills.
Further information can be obtained from the Australian Apprenticeships website.
Indigenous Australians
A range of services is available to help employers engage with, recruit and retain Indigenous employees.
Corporate Leaders for Indigenous Employment Project
The Corporate Leaders for Indigenous Employment Project (CLIEP) is a partnership between individual private sector companies and the Australian Government to generate more jobs for Indigenous Australians.
More information can be obtained from the CLIEP section of the Australian Workplace website.
Indigenous Employment Program
The Indigenous Employment Program was introduced as part of the Indigenous Employment Policy, to address the continued disadvantage being experienced by Indigenous Australians in the labour market.
The Indigenous Employment Program provides employment and job skills for Indigenous Australians, stimulating Indigenous economic activity and improving employment services for Indigenous Australians.
Visit the Workplace website for more information on the Indigenous Employment Program.
National Indigenous Cadetship Project
The National Indigenous Cadetship Project (NICP) links Indigenous students undertaking diploma, advanced diploma and undergraduate degree courses, and employers, in an arrangement that involves full-time study and work placements.
For more information, visit the NICP section of the Australian Workplace website.
Structured Training and Employment Projects (STEP)
Structured Training and Employment Projects (STEP) provides flexible financial assistance to employers for projects that offer structured training leading to lasting employment for Indigenous job seekers.
Further information can be obtained from the STEP section of the Australian Workplace website.
Structured Training and Employment Projects Employment Related Services (STEP ERS)
Structured Training and Employment Projects Employment Related Services (STEP ERS) is part of the Structured Training and Employment Project (STEP) initiative. Through a panel of providers, STEP ERS aims to provide employers with methods and tools to attract, recruit and retain Indigenous employees.
STEP ERS panel members can help employers by providing three streams of services:
- pre-employment support services that may include the provision of training and the development and implementation of recruitment strategies
- employment placement services to assist employers place and retain Indigenous Australians in their workplaces
- mentoring services to help retain their Indigenous Australian employees.
Employers can use one, or a combination of the three streams to help them employ Indigenous job seekers.
Further information can be obtained from the STEP ERS section of the Australian Workplace website.
Wage Assistance
Wage Assistance is a wage subsidy paid to employers over 26 weeks for employers who offer ongoing full-time work. Assistance is also available for part-time jobs of over 15 hours per week.
For more information, visit Wage Assistance information.
Long term unemployed
A number of services are available to employers to provide information and assist with employment of long term unemployed people.
Wage Assist
Wage Assist is a wage subsidy program available to employers who provide on-going, full-time work opportunities for Very Long Term Unemployed (VLTU) job seekers.
Read more information on Wage Assist.
Mature age people
A range of services is available to employers to provide information and assist with employment of mature age employees.
Age Management Training
Age Management Training is also available to assist line managers implement age positive workplace practices and also to help experienced workers plan and implement a phased retirement.
You can locate details of accredited trainers on the Jobwise website.
To find your nearest provider and obtain further information about the available subsidies and support, use provider search.
For more information about subsidies and support, or how to balance the needs of staff with those of business using flexible working arrangements, visit the Need Staff website.
JobWise
JobWise is a specialist website that provides a range of information about mature age employment for employers and job seekers.
For more information visit the JobWise website.
Or email JobWise at jobwise@deewr.gov.au.
Migrants
Employers wanting to recruit migrant workers to fill skill shortages can advertise for, and find, skilled migrant jobs seekers.
Skilled migrant job seekers are people seeking employment in Australia in accordance with the conditions of the Skilled Migrant visa granted by the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). As a part of being granted the Skilled Migrant visa, migrant job seekers will have been skills assessed, a process by which their qualifications have been assessed and recognised in Australia. They will then be able to be matched to migrant friendly vacancies.
A migrant friendly vacancy is a vacancy which has been identified from the Migrant Occupation in Demand list (MODL), which lists skilled occupations and specialisations identified by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) that are in national demand and with good job prospects.
Information on the operation of the MODL and the current list is available from the MODL - Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
When creating your job vacancy on JobSearch, if it is identified as an occupation on the MODL, you will have the option of agreeing to have your vacancy listed for automatching to skilled migrant job seekers. If you choose this option, your vacancy will be advertised for Australian job seekers only on JobSearch for the first 28 days and after that time it will be automatched to both Australian and skilled migrant job seekers for the next 32 days.
For more information on skilled migration visit Immigration - Department of Immigration and Citizenship.
Further information
Further information on recruiting migrants to fill skill shortages can be obtained from the following websites:
People with disability
The following initiatives are available for employers looking to engage people with disability.
JobAccess
JobAccess includes a comprehensive, easy-to-use website and a free professional telephone information and advice service where you can access confidential, expert advice on all disability employment matters. Funded by the Australian Government, JobAccess provides information about a range of government services and incentive schemes for employment of people with disability. Each of the pages on JobAccess prints as a user friendly fact sheet or you can call the JobAccess Advisers on 1800 464 800 for immediate advice.
For further information, visit the JobAccess website.
Workplace Modifications Scheme
This scheme pays for the costs involved in modifying the workplace or purchasing special or adaptive equipment for eligible employees with disability.
For more information, visit Workplace Modifications - JobAccess website.
Work Experience Placement program
The Work Experience Placement program allows eligible job seekers to take part in work experience in most organisations so they can gain skills and experience and sustainable ongoing employment.
For more information, visit the Work Experience Placement section on the Australian Workplace website.
Other employer resources
A number of other resources and services are available to employers, as described below.
Australian Workplace
Australian Workplace provides information on employment-related topics such as:
- employer responsibilities
- employment incentives
- agreements and contracts.
For more information, contact the Workplace Infoline 1300 363 264 or visit the Australian Workplace website.
Australian Safety and Compensation Council
Through a partnership of government, unions and industry the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) leads and coordinates national efforts to: prevent workplace death, injury and disease; improve workers' compensation arrangements; and improve the rehabilitation and return to work of injured workers.
Further information can be obtained from the Australian Safety and Compensation Council website.
Australian Taxation Office - employer essentials
Aimed at employers, the employer essentials section of the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website gives an overview of Commonwealth tax and superannuation obligations when employing workers. The site also provides useful links that will assist employers to meet their obligations.
For more information, visit the employer essentials section of the ATO website.
business.gov.au
The business.gov.au website offers employers a wide range of services and information on topics such as employing people, superannuation, training and apprenticeships.
Further information can be obtained from the business.gov.au website.
Job Network
Job Network is a national network of private and community organisations dedicated to finding jobs for unemployed people, particularly the long term unemployed. Job Network services are provided by Job Network members (JNMs), and are dedicated to helping job seekers find and keep a job.
For more information contact the Employer Hotline 13 17 15 or visit the Job Network website.
If you are looking for a Job Network member, you can search for one using our provider search.
Job Seeker Account
The Job Seeker Account can be used to purchase employment-related assistance to help job seekers find work. This might include employment related training, clothing and equipment, wage subsidies and transport assistance.
Further information can be obtained from the Australian Workplace website.