Child Safety and Youth Justice employees in the North West will receive additional payments of up to $30,000 on top of their base salary as part of a new incentive package aimed at significantly boosting the workforce in the region, and statewide.
Minister for Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, said the package includes a payment of $10,000 for all eligible allied health professional (AHP) employees and managers statewide, plus a market allowance for North West staff, where vacancies are highest.
"Nothing is more important than the safety and wellbeing of our children and young people," Minister Jaensch said.
"Our child safety and youth justice workforce has been doing an incredible job under extremely challenging circumstances.
"This new package for frontline Child Safety, Advice and Referral Line (ARL) and Youth Justice employees includes financial incentives and other strategies to attract and retain staff, including relocation support and new scholarship opportunities."
Frontline employees in the North-West will receive the statewide payment plus a 15 per cent market allowance. Workers moving to the North West will receive a settling-in payment as well as relocation expenses.
"University scholarships will also be offered to students in disciplines that promote children's safety and development, as well as support for diploma pathways," Minister Jaensch said.
The North-West market allowance will commence immediately, backdated to 1 July.
The Tasmanian Government will continue to work in good faith with the unions to finalise the other components of the package for approval by the Tasmanian Industrial Commission as soon as possible, as well as personal leave entitlements.
Minister Jaensch said the Government will commence a new recruitment drive at the end of July, which will include all elements of the package that have been approved at that time.
The Tasmanian Government, under its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future will continue to develop stronger communities so that Tasmania is the best place to live, work and raise a family.
Anyone passionate about creating positive change to support children, young people and their families is encouraged to register their interest at the Jobs Tas website.
