Apprentices in Australia’s residential construction sector would be given a $10,000 bonus under a new policy set to be announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
The policy will be outlined in Albanese’s speech to the National Press Club, his first major address to cover Labor’s plans for a second term. This year’s federal election is due by 17 May.
“We recognise the next generation of tradies, the people we’re counting on to build the new homes we need, are under significant financial pressure,” Albanese will say, according to an excerpt from his speech. “Right now, a first-year carpentry apprentice earns about two-thirds of the minimum wage. Some apprentices earn even less.”
“Too many leave training because they can’t afford to stay. Our government wants to encourage more Australians to get on the tools — and stay in construction.”
The government agreed in 2023 to have 1.2 million new homes built by 2029, though construction has lagged. Housing approvals dropped to their lowest level since 2012 last year, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that the number of completed houses in 2024’s September quarter was more than 15,000 below the government’s target.
Apprentices would be paid in five installments of $2,000 across their apprenticeship, beginning after the election in July 2025.
Payments will also be offered to apprentices working in clean energy, and the government aims to increase allowances for apprentices living away from home.
Around $627 million will be used for these grants over the next four years, funding more than 60,000 apprentices. Funding was set aside in the mid-year budget update.
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