Campaign Media Release MEMBER FOR BRADDON HELPING LOCAL APPRENTICES STAY IN THEIR JOBS Local apprentices will get help to stick with their training under a re-elected Gillard Labor Government. The Trades Apprentice Income Bonus gives local apprentices an extra $1,700 tax exempt bonus at each milestone they reach in their training. Member for Braddon, Sid Sidebottom, said investing in apprentices and training was part of the Gillard Labor Government’s economic plan. “We need more local apprentices to finish their training to tackle skills shortages and keep our local economy strong,” Mr Sidebottom said. “Too many of our local kids start an apprenticeship and don’t finish – this Bonus will give them a helping hand. “I want apprentices in Tasmania’s North-West and West to finish their training. “That’s why the Trades Apprentice Income Bonus is such an important initiative – it invests in the skills we’ll need for the future.” The Trades Apprentice Bonus will be paid on top of the Tools For Your Trade payments. This means, as trade apprentices reach milestones each year they will get an additional: $200 - bringing the 12 month payment to $1,000. $200 - bringing the 24 month payment to $1,000. $500 - bringing the 36 month payment to $1,200. $800 - bringing the completion bonus to $1,500. “That’s a tax exempt bonus of $5,500 for an apprentice across the course of their training,” Mr Sidebottom said.
“These payments could be spent by trades apprentices to purchase tools, service their ute or pay their registration and insurance. “Tony Abbott and Garry Carpenter have no judgement and no plan to develop the skills the economy needs. “Instead of investing in apprentices they have promised to slash funding to skills and training and cut local Trades Training Centres.” Trade Apprentices on the National Skills List will be eligible if they commenced their apprenticeship from 1 January 2009. This initiative represents a $334 million investment in the skills our nation needs to keep the economy strong. Funding for this commitment will be fully offset over the forward estimates consistent with the Gillard Labor Government’s commitment to return to surplus in three years. BURNIE AUGUST 13 COMMUNICATIONS UNIT: Phone: (02) 9384 2220 | Fax: (02) 9264 2213 MR SIDEBOTTOM’S OFFICE: Luke Sayer 6431 1333 www.alp.org.au AUTHORISED N.MARTIN for the ALP, 5/9 Sydney Ave. Barton ACT.