Reducing barriers to work

Assisting workers with children

The Government is investing an additional $225.1 million over four years in Jobs, Education and Training Child Care Fee Assistance (JETCCFA). JETCCFA provides help to eligible income support recipients by paying most of the difference between the cost of child care and the amount of Child Care Benefit received.

The funding boost will provide capacity for 130,000 people over four years to enhance their skills through work, training, study or job search activities. This will reduce child care costs as a barrier to work, assisting parents to participate in the workforce and community, and ultimately improving outcomes for children.

Opportunities of an Ageing Workforce

The ageing of Australia's population presents great opportunities for our community and economy if we properly harness the skills and experience of older Australians.

The new $26 million Silver Service employment program will provide tailored, practical help for job seekers aged 55 and over, in designated areas or industries, so that they are ready for the jobs available to them.

The Government will also work with industry through the National Workforce Development Fund to prioritise the up-skilling and reskilling of mature age workers and will provide an additional $35 million for this purpose.

The Government's $41 million response to the final report of the Advisory Panel of the Economic Potential of Senior Australians includes $10 million for new Jobs Bonuses to help tackle age discrimination and encourage businesses to employ older Australians.

The new $1,000 Jobs Bonus will be introduced for employers who recruit and retain a mature age jobseeker for three months.

This initiative will be coupled with a $15.6 million extension of the successful Corporate Champions program to provide support to employers who wish to promote mature aged employment at their workplace.