A wage subsidy is a financial incentive of up to $10,000 (GST inclusive) to help eligible businesses hire new staff. Employers can access a wage subsidy if they: have an Australian Business Number (ABN) have not previously received a wage subsidy for the same person are not an Australian, state or territory government agency offer a job that is expected to be ongoing and for an average of 20 hours per week over the six months of the wage subsidy agreement offer a job that complies with employment standards for the position - for example, is suitable work and pays as a minimum the national award wage.