Louise Markus (Macquarie, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on the government's budget announced last night—in particular, on the Growing Jobs and Small Business package which will assist employers to grow and to employ young job seekers, mature workers, parents and the long-term unemployed. This morning I received an email from Mr Ian Palmer, CEO of the Schools Industry Partnership of the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury and Penrith regions, who is passionate about ensuring that our young people have access to employment. It reads:

Hi Louise,

Just a quick note to say I was impressed by last night's budget and the small business and jobs measures.

Well done.

I am also very pleased to see the federal government renews support for young people caught in the transition and service gap between leaving school and join in the world of work.

His email concludes as he adds, 'Congratulations on a good budget in difficult circumstances.'

As the Treasurer said last night: 'This is a budget for small business people who want to innovate and grow. This is a budget for young people wanting to get a foot in the door.' From October 2015, job active and disability employment service organisations can place young job seekers into work experience. Job seekers over 18 will be able to volunteer for work experience placements for up to 25 hours a week and continue to receive their income support payments, and a supplement of $20.80 per fortnight to assist with the costs of participating.