Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Davey, for that really important question. This government absolutely recognises that there is a need for Australia's agricultural sector to find workers, particularly for the upcoming harvest in the horticultural area. In the recent budget, we announced a range of temporary measures to incentivise and boost participation in these vital industries, but we particularly focused on young people. We want young Australians to take up the opportunity to get out into our regions and take on seasonal work. In doing so, we have provided added incentive for them to gain independence from the payment of youth allowance, which will subsequently allow them to receive payment when, hopefully, they start further study or go to university next year. From 30 November this year to 31 December next year, young people who earn $15,000 working in the agricultural sector will be considered to be independent for the purposes of youth allowance. We believe this is a significant pathway that shortens the time for people to get independence and helps our horticultural sector.