Supporting Australian jobs now and in the future

Boosting demand

The most effective thing that can be done to support employment is to avoid a prolonged slowdown in demand.

The Government's support, including through the Economic Security Strategy, the Nation Building and Jobs Plan and the $22 billion investment in Nation Building Infrastructure, will also help cushion the impact of the global recession on Australian jobs.

The strategy has been designed to strengthen the future capacity of the economy, while at the same time providing immediate stimulus.

The Government's actions will support up to 210,000 Australian jobs.

Jobs and Training Compact

The Government's $1.5 billion Jobs and Training Compact is aimed at providing relief and assistance to those affected by the downturn. It will also better position Australia for when global growth returns.

The Jobs and Training Compact provides greater incentives for training through the new Training Supplement and support for Young Australians, Retrenched Workers and Local Communities

A new Training Supplement

The Government will help eligible income support recipients to undertake approved training through a new temporary training supplement of $41.60 per fortnight.

The supplement will assist those who have not completed Year 12 or who are upgrading their qualification by providing extra income support while they are undertaking training.

This builds on the Government's earlier temporary increase in the Education Entry Payment from $208 to $1,158 for eligible job seekers who undertake approved training.

A Compact with Young Australians

The Government's $277 million Compact with Young Australians will keep them engaged in education and training and increase educational attainment, preventing many from experiencing long‑term unemployment.