Gippsland has been selected as one of 10 regions across Australia to benefit from a new Federal Government employment trial that will enable local organisations, who understand the issues on the ground, to design solutions to employment challenges. The Turnbull Government has announced locations for the Regional Employment Trials Program, a 21-month program designed to support local networks to promote employment in regional areas. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said Gippsland was one of only two Victorian regions selected for the trial and would receive $1 million through a Local Employment Initiative Fund.
“The fund will support local employment projects such as mentoring programs and the upskilling of people looking for work so that they are job ready,” Mr Chester said.
“It will mean people that are looking for work will receive every assistance possible to participate in the local labour market.
“Employment facilitators will work with Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees to develop local employment projects and devise solutions to local employment problems.”
Minister for Jobs and Innovation Senator Michaelia Cash said the program would directly support local employment projects. “We are bringing together all available expertise at the local and regional level to develop positive employment outcomes,” Minister Cash said. “This is an initiative which utilises skills already on the ground and by investing in local employment programs we are strengthening the local economy to the benefit of everyone in the community.” Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the Turnbull Government was putting in place policies to ensure that people who want to work have the opportunity to get work, no matter where they live.
“We know that employment is key in strengthening the economy, particularly in rural and regional communities.”
The Trials will start on October 1, 2018 and run until June 30, 2020. The Department of Jobs and Small Business will run a competitive tender process to appoint employment facilitators. For more information, visit www.jobs.gov.au/purchasing