Release type: Media Release

Date:

South West Perth jobs effort highlighted

Ministers:

The Hon Jason Clare MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Employment

Joint Media Release with The Hon Gary Gray

Parliamentary Secretary for Employment Jason Clare today launched a new plan to create and retain local jobs in the face of the global recession.

Mr Clare was joined by Member for Brand Gary Gray at a Keep Australia Working forum where he officially launched the South West Group’s plan for local employment.

The Plan, funded by the Rudd Government, includes recommendations to:

  • Create an internet portal linking employers with job and training providers;
  • Review public transport infrastructure and its ability to service emerging industry;
  • Pursue a dedicated and permanent careers and industry expo centre – building on the Trade Coast theme;
  • Better promote the advantages of the Corridor as a place for business and industry; and
  • Encourage employers to work with training providers to ensure local young people have access to training and skills.

Mr Clare paid tribute to the efforts of those involved in developing the workforce plan.

“This is a long-term vision for employment in South West Perth,” Mr Clare said.

“It demonstrates forward thinking and will be a valuable resource in supporting jobs for the future.”

The Keep Australia Working forum is one of 20 the Government is holding around the country and brings local business, government and community leaders to talk about jobs.

“The global recession has hit communities like this one harder than others. In places like South West Perth we need to go the extra mile to support local jobs,” Mr Clare said.

“Massive projects like Gorgon are a fantastic start and the Government will enthusiastically continue to pursue job opportunities like this.”

Mr Gray said South West Perth was one of the Government’s 20 employment priority areas.

“Unemployment in this area now stands at 5.2 per cent, but we’ve recently recorded a well above average increase of 63 per cent in people on unemployment benefits between September 2008 and June 2009,” Mr Gray said. “That’s why we organised this forum, to discuss how to maximise the employment impact of the stimulus package to support jobs and industry locally.

“This is the reason the Government is continuing to stimulate the economy with more than $218 million in funding for projects allocated to this region alone under our Nation Building Plan.”