REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT TRIALS PROGRAM TO BOOST JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR MURRAYLANDS AND RIVERLAND REGION

Ten regions across the country will benefit from a new Turnbull Government employment trial, to enable local organisations, who understand the issues on the ground, to design solutions to employment challenges.

The Turnbull Government is investing $18.4 million, under the Regional Employment Trials Program, for a 21-month program designed to support local networks to promote employment in regional areas.

In the 10 selected regions, Employment Facilitators will work with Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees to develop local employment projects.

Examples of projects that could be funded include:

• using experienced or retired residents, and local business leaders in a mentoring program
• preparing job seekers for an up-coming infrastructure project
• work experience programs that provide local employment opportunities.

The Murraylands and Riverland region will receive $1 million through a Local Employment Initiative Fund. The fund will directly support local employment projects such as mentoring programs and the upskilling of people looking for work so that they are job ready.

As part of the trial, there will be a new Employment Facilitator appointed in the Murraylands and Riverland region through a competitive tender process. The tender opens today and closes on 18 July.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin welcomed the selection of Murraylands and Riverland to take part in the trial program and said it would help local people looking for work.

“I’ve pushed hard for the region to be included in the trial as I know it is a region with significant prospects to unlock employment opportunities and because of that we need a ready and skilled workforce.

“This is fantastic news for our region and will mean that people looking for work will receive every assistance possible to gain employment,” Mr Pasin said.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation, Senator Michaelia Cash said the program will directly support local employment projects.

“We are bringing together all available expertise at the local and regional level to develop positive employment outcomes,” Minister Cash said.

“This is an initiative which utilises skills already on the ground, and by investing in local employment programs we are strengthening the local economy to the benefit of everyone in the community.”

Selected Regional Development Australia trial regions