Wagga beef processor Teys Australia says it is now "more confident" in its Bomen plant after speaking out over a struggle to find 40 new workers.
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Teys corporate and industry affairs manager John Langbridge said the company had received new job applications after partially blaming double Centrelink payments for low interest.
"We have had a number of applicants for jobs, which is good," he said.
"We have had contact from a number of politicians and we have had the odd not-so-friendly contact."
Mr Langbridge said on Tuesday that the plant was facing a loss of production for a busy season, which was in part due to JobSeeker payments being lifted to $1100 per fortnight.
Those comments provoked strong reactions in Wagga and across the nation, with some people questioning the company's pay levels and use of workers on visas.
"They are good, honest jobs and it's a very clean and safe environment," Mr Langbridge said.
"We'd much prefer to employ Australians if Australians want to come and work for us, but we're also very grateful to those migrant workers."
Tey's job adverts for the Wagga positions listed the pay at between $38,512 and $60,000 per annum.
NSW Business Chamber Riverina Murray regional manager Andrew Cottrill said he had heard of other businesses in the region with similar issues.
"Unfortunately people in those roles sometimes think they can get just as much to stay at home," he said.
"When [JobSeeker] drops by $300 a fortnight it will push a few people to go back into work, hopefully."
Wagga Business Chamber president Rhyley Hunter said members had reported more issues with the JobKeeper wage subsidy program.
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The $1500 per fortnight goes to all eligible workers, leading to some receiving more money than from previous hours.
"You're getting businesses where it has been a great assistance and kept the doors open during COVID," Mr Hunter said.
"But we have been speaking to some members, especially in hospitality or retail, who are struggling to keep or recruit staff for entry-level roles."
Welfare advocate group ACOSS chief executive Cassandra Goldie called for a permanent JobSeeker raise and said people were terrified of pending cuts after being able to buy the "essentials of life".