Minister for Employment, Jacinta Allan, Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford, and local Labor MPs Geoff Howard and Sharon Knight will meet with local business and community leaders today to identify ways to boost jobs in Ballarat.
The Ballarat Jobs Forum will focus on key job-creating initiatives and potential investments to bolster Ballarat industries, particularly manufacturing, and support sustained local employment growth.
The forum is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Back To Work plan, which will drive growth and create 100,000 jobs across Victoria.
The Plan includes a $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund to increase employment and growth and build stronger regional and rural communities.
Early last month the Andrews Labor Government announced an order of five new trains from local manufacturer Alstom, saving 70 local jobs. The Labor Government’s 50 per cent local content requirement for all new rolling stock orders will provide further work for local train manufacturers, including Alstom.
Quote attributable to the Minister for Employment, Jacinta Allan
“The Andrews Labor Government is making job creation a priority, and the Ballarat Jobs Forum is part of our plan to get regional Victoria back to work.”
Quote attributable to the Minister for Regional Development, Jaala Pulford
“The Forum will focus on the initiatives, investment and action needed to create local jobs and build the Ballarat economy.”
Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong, Geoff Howard
“Manufacturing makes up nearly a third of Ballarat’s economy. We will strengthen the sector, and help to transition to new technologies and industries, to keep growing jobs in Ballarat.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree, Sharon Knight
“The Ballarat Jobs Forum is critical for Ballarat businesses, workers and the community. It will identify what we can do now and in the future to build the local economy and create jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020