Treasurer Tim Pallas has updated a jobs forum at Essendon Fields about the steps the Andrews Labor Government is taking in getting Victorians back to work.
Speaking at the Essendon Fields Employment Forum, hosted by Danny Pearson, Member for Essendon, the Treasurer highlighted a number of practical ways that the Labor Government was helping support local people looking for work.
This includes boosting the Back to Work Scheme with larger incentive payments, and making sure that people entering the workforce have the skills they need to boost their employability.
The Labor Government has also continued to support demand for skilled manufacturing workers by providing a pipeline of new transport projects – which have the potential to provide for more than 10,000 new jobs.
The Treasurer talked about an economy that was diversifying away from its industrial base, and fast becoming a knowledge-based economy with a strong focus on services.
Jobs growth in Victoria is currently strongest in those industries that employ highly skilled Victorians with post-school qualifications.
The Treasurer also spoke of how the Government is supporting jobs growth specifically in Essendon Fields, including by raising the profile of the precinct through the Invest Assist Service run by the Department of Economic Development.
The Labor Government has also facilitated discussions with Public Transport Victoria on how to improve public transport access to the precinct.
Since the Andrews Labor Government was elected, the Victorian economy has created 68,700 jobs, with almost 40,000 of those jobs full time.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
"The Andrews Labor Government was elected on a platform of getting Victorians back to work – and with almost 70,000 jobs created since we were elected, we are working hard to deliver on that commitment."
Quotes attributable to Member for Essendon Danny Pearson
"The Forum has been a great opportunity for local leaders and businesses – together with members of the community - to discuss with the Treasurer some of the challenges and opportunities that the precinct faces."
Reviewed 19 August 2020