The Andrews Labor Government is supporting a new entity – JobsBank – to help long-term and priority jobseekers secure stable employment.
JobsBank, with the support of $2.2 million start-up funding from the Labor Government, was launched today with a call to employers to open their thinking to the benefits of a diverse workforce.
The result is an independent, specially-designed organisation which will work with government, business and the community sector to provide employers with tailored programs to help them recruit people facing barriers to employment.
JobsBank will enlist and work closely with businesses to identify their recruitment needs, shape job roles and recruitment processes and then link them with jobseekers signed up to Jobs Victoria.
The initiative builds on the Labor Government’s success in getting 10,000 disadvantaged jobseekers into work since 2016 under the $100 million Jobs Victoria program.
All up, more than 500,000 jobs have been created in Victoria since the Government took office in 2014 and at 4.7 per cent, the state’s unemployment rate is amongst the lowest in the country.
However, some people face significant difficulty in finding work, including Aboriginal Victorians, people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, people with a disability and older people.
Experience shows that a diverse and inclusive workplace is good for business and leaders of the Pan Pacific Melbourne hotel today spoke of the benefits that a broad approach to recruitment can bring.
Employers looking to get involved or learn more can visit jobsbank.org.au.
JobsBank is chaired by RMIT University associate director and former Victorian Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula
“We believe that a strong, cohesive society is one where everybody gets a fair go and people don’t get pushed to the sidelines through no fault of their own.”
“JobsBank is part of our drive to make sure that all Victorians share in the benefits of a growing economy.”
Quote attributable to JobsBank chair Wade Noonan
“Work offers people identity and purpose. Helping people into work doesn’t just change lives, it helps businesses who get access to the people they need and to all the benefits that come with having a diverse workplace.”
Quote attributable to Pan Pacific Melbourne food and beverage attendant Keegan Neumann
“I applied for a lot of jobs but I found my lack of experience was a problem. I was feeling very down on myself but now that I have a job, I’ve become so much happier – I’m more proactive. I just really enjoy the job.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020