What is a subsidy?
A subsidy is an ongoing government payment that reduces the cost of a business activity — most commonly wage subsidies that partially offset the cost of employing certain workers. Unlike a grant, subsidies are often paid in instalments over time.
How it works
Wage subsidies are arranged before hiring through Workforce Australia. You hire an eligible worker, and the government pays a portion of their wages to you over 26 weeks (typically). The subsidy is paid directly to your business as a reimbursement of wages incurred.
Advantages
- ✓Reduces ongoing operating costs (not just one-off)
- ✓Non-competitive for wage subsidies — if your hire qualifies, you qualify
- ✓Can access for multiple hires
- ✓Arrangements relatively straightforward
Considerations
- ·Must hire eligible workers (can't always choose freely)
- ·Administered through employment services providers
- ·Must retain worker for full subsidy period
- ·Subsidy amounts are fixed by program, not negotiable
Open Subsidies
3 programsWage subsidies provide financial incentives to employers to hire and retain eligible participants in ongoing and sustainable positions. Subsidies up to $10,000 may be available to businesses that hire eligible individuals into ongoing jobs. The subsidy helps with some of the initial costs of hiring a new employee to help ensure the success of their employment.
Provides up to $2,000 to eligible tourism and event businesses in Queensland to undertake targeted training and accreditation programs. Covers areas such as sustainability and ecotourism, digital capability and AI, tour guiding, distribution and sales, cultural understanding, quality assurance, accessibility and risk mitigation.
This program supports Western Australian small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the building and construction sector to employ apprentices and trainees through group training organisations (GTOs). The subsidy covers the average estimated award wage paid to apprentices and trainees, providing SMEs with access to workers for their building and construction projects.
Program information is sourced from official government websites and updated regularly. Always verify details with the official source before applying.