MURRAY AND SOUTH EAST LOCAL JOBS PROGRAM GETS UNDER WAY

The Local Jobs Plan for the Murray and South East region of South Australia was launched today in Mt Gambier as part of the Australian Government’s $62.8 million Local Jobs Program.

The Local Jobs Program supports Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing together expertise and resources to focus on reskilling, upskilling and employment pathways for job seekers in 25 Employment Regions of high unemployment across Australia.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said an Employment Facilitator is on hand in the region to provide on-the-ground coordination to drive local employment solutions.

“We’ve got a local Employment Facilitator in each region who will help connect unemployed people to employers and available local jobs,” Minister Cash said.

“This vital role will steer the local job finding effort, tailoring local solutions specific to each area. This is all about local expertise and collaboration.”

To help the Murray and South East region’s economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the facilitator, Christine Willersdorf, is chairing a Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce consisting of local employers, employment and training providers and other key local stakeholders.

Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, the Hon Luke Howarth MP, said by connecting local experiences and expertise, the taskforce can really boost employment opportunities and reskill and upskill local people for local jobs.

“The Australian Government is listening. We know local expertise is invaluable to securing local solutions.”

The taskforce has developed a Local Jobs Plan, which identifies key employment and training priorities in the region and provides a framework for driving employment outcomes to meet the needs of local employers and get people back into work quickly.

Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin said while job opportunities are returning, there is much more to be done.

“The Murray and South East region has been heavily impacted by the pandemic and we’re focused on getting us back up and running as best and fast as we can,” Mr Pasin said.

The Local Recovery Fund is key component of the Local Jobs Program and funds activities aligned to the priorities in each region’s Local Jobs Plan.

“The region has so much to offer. Our Local Jobs Plan will leverage areas of opportunity and use the region’s existing competitive advantage and strength, and I strongly encourage local stakeholders to put innovative ideas forward for consideration under the Local Recovery Fund,” Mr Pasin said.

For more details about the Local Jobs Program please visit: www.dese.gov.au/local-jobs-program

ENDS