New financial incentives which will boost workforce participation and get more young job seekers off welfare and into work have been welcomed by Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce.

The Coalition Government has recently introduced legislation into the Parliament which will deliver on two key election commitments.

Mr Joyce said the financial assistance will help eligible local job seekers through two measures.

“The Job Commitment Bonus will encourage young, long term unemployed job seekers aged 18-30 by paying eligible job seekers $2,500 if they get a job and remain in continuous work for 12 months.

“A further $4,000 will be paid if they remain in continuous work and off income support for two years.

“The Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job provides up to $6,000 to eligible job seekers who relocate to a regional area or $3,000 to eligible job seekers who relocate to a metropolitan area.

“Families with dependent children can be provided with an extra $3,000 in recognition of any other additional costs.

Mr Joyce called on the Labor Party to support the legislation and give job seekers a real chance to find and keep a job.

“The Coalition Government is determined to prevent young job seekers from sliding into long term welfare dependency and to reward positive, pro-work behaviours,” Mr Joyce said.

“We have a plan to build a stronger economy and provide targeted assistance to create new job opportunities.

“Youth unemployment skyrocketed under the previous Labor Government. Labor must acknowledge this shameful legacy to job seekers and support this legislation so eligible unemployed Australians can benefit from these incentives,” Mr Joyce said.