Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Burston for his question. Senator Burston, I can assure you that my team has also spoken with Mr Darren Wilson. He is a proud small-business butcher in Forster. It was a very positive and productive discussion. I have to say, just by way of context, that I was delighted to announce, with our Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, on 31 October 2018 that the Liberal-National government are investing $60 million in a wage subsidy trial for apprentices in rural and regional Australia. The trial is going to commence on 1 January 2019. Mr Wilson is absolutely able to access apprentices. In fact, in the discussion with my team, he said he would welcome taking on a new apprentice.

This is all about the Liberal-National government recognising that those in rural and regional Australia face additional barriers to employment. In particular, all senators would be aware of the drought affected areas in Australia. We want to trial the wage subsidy. The wage subsidy is a significant incentive. It is 75 per cent of the apprentice's award wage in the first year, 50 per cent in the second year and 25 per cent in the third year to see the effect it has in rural and regional Australia. The trial is actually going to support, over the forward estimates, an additional 1,630 new apprentice opportunities in rural and regional Australia. That is why you have to take on a new apprentice. This is all about creating new opportunities for people in rural and regional Australia. In fact, Mr Wilson's business is the perfect example of the type of business— (Time expired)