The support is available when workers relocate to take up short-term agricultural work.
The Grain Harvest Assist program is joint operation connecting retired and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) servicemen and women with grain farming businesses in urgent need of workers to drive heavy machinery and do other essential jobs to deliver the upcoming grains harvest.
Participants looking to work on farms and deliver the grains harvest can collect the Harvest Trail Information Service (HTIS) to see if they qualify for AgMove to help cover their relocation costs.
For Australian workers, this includes relocation costs of up to $2000 which can be reimbursed by the HTIS after employees complete a minimum of 40 hours of work in at least two weeks.
Up to a further $4000 can be reimbursed for relocation costs when employees continue to work and complete a total of at least 120 hours of work in at least four weeks.
Grain Producers Australia chief executive, Colin Bettles, welcomed the AgMove program funding offer to support harvest.
"Every bit helps make a positive difference to our grain farming communities. AgMove will provide another layer of assistance to help deliver the workers we need to optimise the forecast $15 billion value of this year's grains harvest, which will also boost ongoing recovery from drought in many rural communities," he said.
Retired Royal Australian Armoured Corps Lt. Colonel, Garry Spencer AM, acknowledged the Federal Government's support through the AgMove program; especially Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Minister, Stuart Robert, and Agriculture Minister, David Littleproud.
"We've made a great start to Operation Grain Harvest Assist with lots of ADF people expressing an interest in answering the call-out for help," he said.
"Our volunteers are also working hard behind the scenes to connect the workers with the farmers, with harvest on the horizon. AgMove provides more genuine support, which we greatly appreciate, to help bring this plan together, backing our farmers and rural communities," Spencer said.
To find out more about AgMove call the HTIS on 1800 062 332 or visit https://jobsearch.gov.au/harvest/
