The Andrews Labor Government is building the job-creating infrastructure Victoria needs and making sure all Victorians share in the benefits of our growing economy, as we continue to invest in key employment programs to keep momentum going.
More than 455,000 jobs have been created since the Labor Government came to office, with one in every ten jobs in the Victorian economy now in the construction industry.
Our major projects like the Metro Tunnel and the removal of level crossings are employing 115,000 people alone, with this building boom helping the unemployment rate fall to 4.8 per cent under our watch – but now is not the time to be complacent.
That’s why the Victorian Budget 2019/20 includes a $169.8 million package of initiatives to help create even more jobs – boosting trade, driving innovation and delivering programs that help Victorians overcome barriers to employment.
The package includes $150 million to create the Victorian Jobs and Investment Fund, which will drive initiatives of state significance and attract strategic investment, creating jobs and fostering business growth across the Victorian economy.
The Fund includes $10 million for LaunchVic to continue its work supporting local startups, and to attract world-class innovation and investment projects that grow jobs and productivity across the state.
There is also $8.8 million for employment initiatives that build on the enormous success of Jobs Victoria, which has supported more than 9,500 jobseekers into work since October 2016.
Jobs Victoria will continue its important work helping people facing barriers to employment find jobs and keep them. There will also be new initiatives to give targeted support to those sections of the community where unemployment is still too high.
Connecting local businesses to global markets is crucial to growing the Victorian economy, so $5 million will be provided to fund trade missions, and the delivery of training and skills programs that help build the export capability of local businesses and maintain our trade focus on Asia.
In addition, $1 million will be provided for export-focused marketing activities to promote Victoria’s food and fibre sector internationally.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula
“We’re building the infrastructure Victoria needs and employing thousands of hard-working Victorians in the process, but we know there’s more to do.”
“That’s why we’re continuing to make the investments needed to help people overcome barriers to employment and changing their lives by getting them into work.”
“We will strengthen our economy and deliver jobs by growing key industries, connecting with global economies and investing in the innovation, skills and opportunities we need to succeed.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020