Payroll tax relief for Tasmanian apprentices

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s announcement of payroll tax relief for apprentices and trainees aged 15–24 years.

The Tasmanian Government’s 2017–18 Budget includes $17.1 million of funding to introduce a payroll tax rebate for two years from 1 July 2017 for employers of eligible trainees and apprentices and for 12 months for eligible young people aged between 15 and 24 years from 1 July 2017.

In addition, the Tasmanian Government has also committed an additional $2 million over two years for a small business grants pilot program to deliver support for small business to employ more apprentices and trainees. Small businesses will receive incentive payments of up to $4000 per apprentice or trainee upon successful completion of major milestones within the first two years of their training.

“We believe that payroll tax relief and the small business pilot program are clever and instrumental initiatives that help pave the way for a greater number of skilled apprentices,” said NECA Chief Executive Officer Suresh Manickam.

“These two initiatives are simple yet clear and effective means to help arrest the ongoing decline in apprenticeship commencements and completions and we are proud to say that our conversations with the Tasmanian Government and its Minister for Building and Construction, Guy Barnett MLA, have been positive for the electrical contracting sector,” Manickam said.

“Electrical contracting enterprises comprise a large portion of the Tasmanian economic engine room and we believe the provision of incentives for our industry to employ more apprentices will be keenly welcomed.”