LOCAL TASKFORCE TO AID JOBS RECOVERY IN BARKER

Recognising the importance of local knowledge, the Morrison Government is investing $62.8 million in a Local Jobs Program to support the recovery from COVID-19 to help Australians get back into work.

As part of the program, the Employment Facilitator for Barker will receive boosted resources to connect job seekers to local employment opportunities. Employment Facilitators are an on-the-ground presence that work with local job seekers in specific regions to connect them with training, job opportunities or other support.

As part of their boosted resources, The Employment Facilitator will chair a Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce. The taskforce will bring together local employers, employment and training providers and other local stakeholders, to develop projects to get job seekers back into work. A Local Recovery Fund will also be available in each selected region to support this approach.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said tailoring solutions specific to each local area was vital to helping regions recover.

“Small and family businesses rely on their local communities and we want to tap into their expertise and connections to get people working again” Minister Cash said.

“As the economy recovers from COVID-19, the jobs that are created may look different to those that existed before.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the recovery will be locally led to provide tailored support to help residents in Barker to find work in their local regions.

“Local knowledge and collaboration in the region will be vital to achieving this,” Mr Pasin said.

“Using information provided by the National Skills Commission, our ‘Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce’ will develop a local jobs plan, identifying the region’s priorities, opportunities and skills gaps.”

The Employment Facilitator will continue to work with employers, employment services providers and training providers to match jobseekers in Barker with appropriate employment and training opportunities.

The Local Jobs Program will run until 30 June 2022.

For more details visit: www.dese.gov.au/local-jobs-program

Media Contact: Charlotte Edmunds 8531 2466