The Andrews Labor Government’s successful Back to Work Scheme will continue to run in the Latrobe Valley for workers affected by the closure of the Hazelwood Power Plant and the unemployed living in the region.

The extension of the scheme is part of a $266 million investment in the revitalisation of the Latrobe Valley and will direct up to $1 million in financial assistance for employers to train and employ eligible job seekers.

The extension is expected to be fully subscribed and will keep Back to Work Scheme open for up to an additional 12 months, to meet high demand and continue to support employment in the region.

The Labor Government initially made $1 million available for employers to take on unemployed people living in the Latrobe Valley and retrenched workers from the Hazelwood power station.

Since January, businesses have received assistance to employ almost 200 Latrobe Valley workers.

Since its initial launch in 2015, the scheme has accelerated the hiring and training of hundreds of apprentices, unemployed and retrenched Victorian workers, and the long-term unemployed.

Compared to a year ago, employment in the Latrobe Valley has improved dramatically, with an additional 16,600 jobs created since May 2016 and a 1.7 percent drop in unemployment, which now sits at 6.0 per cent.

Under the Labor Government, Victoria leads the nation in job creation with nearly a quarter of a million additional jobs created since November 2014.

In the twelve months to May  Victoria has created more jobs than the rest of the nation combined.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

“The Back to Work Scheme has helped thousands of Victorians get back on their feet and back to work.”

“The scheme’s extension in the Latrobe Valley will help business create more jobs and opportunities for this proud community.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“We promised that we’d work together to make the most of government, business and community efforts to ensure a strong future for the Latrobe Valley.

“The extension of the scheme will help local businesses expand and get people back to work in the Latrobe Valley.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“An extra 16,000 jobs have been created since May last year, our proactive work continues to draw investment and infrastructure into local communities, to build Gippsland’s momentum and growth.”