- Published:
- Thursday 5 November 2015
Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas has told a jobs forum in Frankston that making Victoria the Education State will lead to better jobs for all Victorians.
Speaking at the Jobs and Economic Development in Frankston forum, hosted by Paul Edbrooke, Member for Frankston, the Treasurer highlighted a number of practical ways that the Andrews Labor Government was helping support local people looking for work.
Mr Pallas discussed how the economy 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.
As the economy continues to transition to skilled jobs, the Victorian Government will act to ensure that the people of Frankston are not left behind. The Victorian Government is taking action on jobs including:
- Boosting the Back to Work Scheme with payments of up to $12,000 when employers hire long-term unemployed workers (now 26 weeks unemployed, reduced from 52 weeks), and up to $5000 for retrenched workers, out-of-trade apprentices, and young people aged between 15 and 25 who have been unemployed for three months or more
- Making sure that people entering the workforce have the skills they need to boost their employability – including support for TAFE and delivering on our commitment to make Victoria the Education State
- Continuing to support demand for skilled manufacturing workers by providing a pipeline of new transport projects that have the potential to provide for more than 10,000 new jobs
- Declaring tram and train manufacturing a strategic project under the Victorian Industry Participation Policy with a minimum of 50 per cent local content.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer, Tim Pallas
"We have committed to making Victoria the Education State, because we understand the vital importance of an educated and highly skilled workforce in delivering a prosperous future.”
"We are also helping people experiencing transition now with funding for education and skills; local content rules for transport projects; and enhancing Back to Work incentives for employers taking on long-term unemployed and those in need of a second chance.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Frankston, Paul Edbrooke
“The Andrews Labor Government was elected on a platform of getting Victorians back to work – and I am proud to be part of a team that is doing everything it can to deliver on that commitment for the people of Frankston.”
“The Forum has been a great opportunity for local leaders, employment and training providers, supporters and members of the community to discuss with the Treasurer of the challenges that our region faces.”