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Acting Prime Minister Tells Unemployed Aussies To 'Turn The Netflix Off' And Get To Work

Acting Prime Minister Tells Unemployed Aussies To 'Turn The Netflix Off' And Get To Work

Michael McCormack says it's time people stop relying on government handouts and get back into the workforce.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Millions of Australians would have been without a job at some point last year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Scores of businesses, establishments and companies had to shut down to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and it meant that many people had to be let go.

Some have been reemployed, however the acting Prime Minister has taken aim at those who are still jobless and using a government handout.

Michael McCormack, who has had one hell of a week while Scott Morrison is on leave, wants unemployed Australians to move to rural and regional areas to help pick fruit.

He told Channel 9: "I say to those people who perhaps have done reasonably well off JobSeeker, who may have earnt more than they could have dreamt of, it is perhaps to turn the Stan and Netflix off to come to the regions [where] you can have a better life.

Fruit growers are facing a worrying period as their product ripens.

PA

Backpackers usually flock to the countryside to pick fruit to get an extra year on their work-holiday visa. Due to the coronavirus pandemic shutting our borders, growers are scared they'll have to throw out tonnes of perfectly edible food.

The Australian government has been trying to fix the employment shortfall by offering a funding package to incite city folk.

The Government Relocation Assistance will give Australian job seekers up to $6,000 and internationals up to $2,000 to relocate to fruit growing regions like Victoria's Shepparton and Goulburn Valley regions.

The funding will be given to those who take up short-term agricultural positions for a minimum of six weeks.

Fruit Growers Victoria is begging people to take up the job over summer to ensure produce gets from the farm to the plate.

"Our usual workers that are essential in ensuring our seasonal fruit crops are available in supermarkets and markets are gone," Fruit Growers Victoria growers services manager Michael Crisera said.

"The Victorian fruit industry is at risk and the repercussions of not having enough workers will not only impact the farmers themselves but the consumer. The consequences will be significant wastage, lack of income for the growers and rising prices for customers.

"No experience is needed to work on the Harvest Trail and there are different jobs across the season such as fruit picking, packing, thinning and pruning. It is a great opportunity to experience regional Victoria, try new things, learn some new skills and meet new people."

Michael McCormack says it's time people stop relying on government handouts and get back into the workforce.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Australia