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AGMOVES with the times to benefit Job Seekers
Working in the agriculture sector has become even more desirable with the recent launch of AgMove – a much improved version of the previous relocation assistance scheme.
With AgMove incentives have become more attractive to job seekers, meaning there’s never been a better time to find employment or transition into the agriculture industry.
From 5 May 2021, the minimum eligibility period for reimbursement has been reduced from six weeks to two, making it easier for workers to access financial assistance to help with the cost of moving to regional areas.
AgMove successfully enticed many workers to regional Australia during 2020/21. The new changes are designed to make agricultural work even more attractive and accessible to workers who can relocate, particularly students on university break, visa holders or Australian residents.
HOW DOES AGMOVE WORK?
If an Australian jobseeker moves to a regional area to take up short-term agricultural work, they could be eligible for reimbursement of up to $6,000 to assist with travel costs, accommodation, and essential work clothing. Temporary visa holders can also access reimbursements for expenses of up to $2,000.
Australian citizens can be reimbursed up to $6,000.
- Potential $2,000 reimbursement after completing 40 hours of work in at least two weeks.
- Up to a further $4,000 after completing 120 hours of work in at least four weeks.
Temporary visa holders with general working rights can be reimbursed up to $2,000.
- Potential of up to $650 reimbursed after completing 40 hours of work in at least two weeks.
- Up to a further $1,350 reimbursed after completing 120 hours of work in at least four weeks.
For those who have relocated and started an agricultural job, including harvest work between
1 November 2020 and 4 May 2021, they must complete at least 120 hours of work in at least six weeks to be eligible for reimbursement under the previous relocation assistance incentive.
WHAT WORK QUALIFIES FOR AGMOVE?
Work activities performed under the following categories qualify for the AgMove initiative.
- Production of harvest crops, including picking and pollinating
- Planting and preparation for the planting of harvest crops, including clearing and trenching
- Propagation of harvest crops, including growing new plants from seeds
- Packing shed operations
- Local and immediate harvest crop processing within the harvest area
- Local storage and local transportation of harvest crops
- Manufacturing dairy produce from raw material
- Immediate processing of animal products, including shearing, butchery, packing and tanning
- Livestock labouring including feeding, breeding, and raising livestock
Work eligible for the AgMove can be found on the Harvest Trail website.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR AGMOVE?
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a visa holder with approval to work in Australia (including working holidaymakers and international students), and; are at least 17-years of age; if 17 years of age must have graduated from Year 12, and; have relocated at least 90 minutes from current place of residence to a regional or remote area for harvest work.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AGMOVE
- Register with Harvest Trail Services – find the local Harvest Trail Services provider
- Confirm eligibility
- Create an agreement with the local harvest office
- Complete the eligible work
- Lodge the reimbursement request with the local harvest office
For any general enquiries about AgMove call the National Customer Service Line on 1800 805 260.
People looking for work who are interested in harvest work can find job opportunities at https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest/search
People looking for non-harvest jobs in agriculture (such as working with livestock or on dairy farms) or harvesting jobs outside designated Harvest Areas can call the Harvest Trail Information Service on 1800 062 332 for assistance.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Go to https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest/workers/relocation-assistance
