Minister announces support for Launceston workers

The Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, today announced the Rudd Government would make available up to $100,000 to support the training and reskilling of workers affected by the closure of Telstra’s Launceston call centre.

Today’s announcement comes after Mr O’Connor and the Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell met with local government, Job Network providers, the Tasmanian State Government, industry and workers’ representatives in Launceston last Friday.

“Last week’s meeting was constructive and gave interested parties a chance to put forward their ideas on the best way to provide support for affected workers,” Mr O’Connor said.

“While I was pleased to hear during the meeting that many of the affected Telstra call centre workers have already secured alternative employment, there are at least 56 Telstra and 46 labour hire workers that are yet to find new jobs.

“I believe additional support in training and reskilling is warranted for affected workers to find new jobs.

“Today I am pleased to announce the Rudd Government will make available up to $100,000 towards a range of assistance including job search training, interview skills and short courses in specific industries to be offered to workers.

“I have written to Job Network members in Launceston and met with other stakeholders inviting them to submit a proposal for this funding, and I look forward to receiving a proposal for providing this retraining and reskilling shortly.

“I also encourage all affected workers, both Telstra and labour hire workers to register with their local Job Network member.”

Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell, welcomed today’s announcement and said it was important for workers to gain new skills to find alternative employment.

“Many of the workers affected by the closure of the Telstra call centre already have a range of skills that could be applied in new sectors,” Ms Campbell said.

The Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O’Connor, today announced the Rudd Government would make available up to $100,000 to support the training and reskilling of workers affected by the closure of Telstra’s Launceston call centre.

Today’s announcement comes after Mr O’Connor and the Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell met with local government, Job Network providers, the Tasmanian State Government, industry and workers’ representatives in Launceston last Friday.

“Last week’s meeting was constructive and gave interested parties a chance to put forward their ideas on the best way to provide support for affected workers,” Mr O’Connor said.

“While I was pleased to hear during the meeting that many of the affected Telstra call centre workers have already secured alternative employment, there are at least 56 Telstra and 46 labour hire workers that are yet to find new jobs.

“I believe additional support in training and reskilling is warranted for affected workers to find new jobs.

“Today I am pleased to announce the Rudd Government will make available up to $100,000 towards a range of assistance including job search training, interview skills and short courses in specific industries to be offered to workers.

“I have written to Job Network members in Launceston and met with other stakeholders inviting them to submit a proposal for this funding, and I look forward to receiving a proposal for providing this retraining and reskilling shortly.

“I also encourage all affected workers, both Telstra and labour hire workers to register with their local Job Network member.”Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell, welcomed today’s announcement and said it was important for workers to gain new skills to find alternative employment.

“Many of the workers affected by the closure of the Telstra call centre already have a range of skills that could be applied in new sectors,” Ms Campbell said.