Premier

Boosting Jobs And Skills In The Latrobe Valley

02 September 2016

The Premier’s Jobs and Investment Panel today met in Gippsland, bringing together Victoria’s business and industry leaders to discuss job creation, boosting local skills, and economic growth in the Valley.

Premier Daniel Andrews was joined by Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing, Panel Chair Harold Mitchell and representatives of the Latrobe Valley community in Traralgon.

Since the Labor Government was elected, more than 33,000 regional jobs have been created – contrasting with the mere 5,500 jobs created in four years under the former Coalition Government.

Regional unemployment has fallen to the nation’s lowest level at 5.5 per cent.

The Labor Government is working to ensure every part of Victoria shares in the state’s economic growth, with no community left behind.

The Victorian Budget 2016/17 provided more than $140 million to support the Latrobe Valley, including a dedicated $40 million economic package to assist business, improve skills, and deliver new jobs. That came alongside $51.2 million to implement the Hazelwood Mine Fire inquiry recommendations.

A new dedicated Latrobe Valley economic development team is being established to work alongside the community to deliver new jobs and a strong economic future.

The Labor Government is also giving students in the Latrobe Valley the world class facilities they need to reach their full potential. Schools across the Latrobe Valley getting upgrades include Kurnai College, Morwell Park PS and Baringa Special School. The Latrobe Valley is to also get a new Tech School.

The Premier’s Jobs and Investment Panel provides strategic advice to the Premier on driving economic growth and creating high-skill, high-wage jobs in Victoria.

Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews

“The Latrobe Valley is a proud community and we certainly believe that its best days lie ahead of it. With a government on its side, the Valley has a strong future.”

“The Labor Government will always stand up for the Latrobe Valley and we’re proud to work with the local community to deliver new jobs, state of the art schools and better health services.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Energy Lily D’Ambrosio

“The former Coalition Government turned its back on the Latrobe Valley, when they needed them most during the Hazelwood fires. We will never abandon the Valley and do whatever it takes to deliver new jobs.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“Communities and industries in the Latrobe Valley have so much to offer, and we're focussed on driving growth, employment and quality of life for everyone who lives here.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?