• First round of AgUP grants announced to help agriculture, fisheries and forestry industries retain and grow their workforce.
• $385,000 (GST incl) awarded to Seafood Industry Australia to set up a new employment platform.

A $385,000 grant from the Coalition Government will help the commercial seafood industry set up a national online hub linking its workforce to employment, training and career pathways to retain workers and attract newcomers.

Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the first round of AgUP grants marked the beginning of a four-year program to upskill industry workforces through mentoring and development, including accredited education and training.

“The grant for Seafood Industry Australia will help it set up an online employment hub that will be the first of its kind and a much-needed resource for the industry,” Minister Littleproud said.

“AgUP will support jobs and help retain workers by building skills and establishing and improving career progression and mentoring opportunities.

“It’s about supporting industry-led approaches to improve workforce outcomes and establish career pathways.”

Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Jonno Duniam, said this grant would equip industry for future success as exports recovered and new markets opened.

“With exports predicted to grow due to greater demand for high-quality Australian seafood, better training and career progression opportunities will position the domestic industry for continued success,” Assistant Minister Duniam said.

“It has never been a better or more important time for the industry to focus on how it can attract and retain the workers it will need.”

Liberal Candidate for Lyons Susie Bower said that growing primary industries was a key part of her plan for Lyons.

“I am proud to be a part of a team that has shown unwavering support for the agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture industries,” Ms Bower said.

“This investment will help more young people in Lyons get involved in, and have a strong career, in this industry.

“These investments are only made possible by having a strong economy, and only the Coalition has a plan for a strong economy and a stronger future for Tasmania.”

Seafood Industry Australia CEO Veronica Papacosta said the AgUP grant will support the development of a platform for seafood jobs, training and career development.

“The AgUp grant will allow SIA to develop a national platform to act as one-stop-shop for workers in all sectors of the seafood industry. The platform will have a direct connection to training, mentorship, capacity building, job opportunities, and to promote workforce retention,” Ms Papacosta said.

“The platform will compile and promote a calendar of seasonal work opportunities around the country, to support the transition of experienced and skilled seasonal workers between seasonal work contracts in the industry.

“At its core, the project will build awareness of the career opportunities and career pathways available to people working in or considering a future in commercial seafood production.

“Our great Australian seafood industry is growing, this new hub will support the industry to build our workforce, develop our existing workers, and provide the labour security we need to continue to grow.”

Fast facts:

• Human capital is central to supporting the agriculture industry reach its goal of $100 million in production by 2030.
• The AgUp grants program provides $7.3 million in funding over 4 years to support industry-led initiatives focussed on promoting and attracting Australians to careers in the agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector.
• AgUP is part of the Coalition Government’s response to the National Agricultural Workforce Strategy.