Local forum to discuss Coast’s jobs prospects

Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid, Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, Member for Wyong, David Harris, and Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, with nurses at the forum

Leaders and representatives from the Coast’s business community, unions, government, and education providers came together last week for a Central Coast Jobs and Skills Forum to discuss the challenges affecting the region’s labour market, as the Federal Government hosted the National Jobs and Skills Summit on September 1-2.

Across the country, smaller scale forums, like the Central Coast Jobs and Skills Forum, took place to identify local challenges that will be submitted to the National Summit and help with the Federal Government’s White Paper.

Member for Dobell, Emma McBride, said the forum was a big success.

“It was an exciting opportunity to bring together business leaders, employees, unions, education providers and all levels of government to discuss the future of our region,” she said.

“Working together, we are determined to create opportunities for locals and build a strong economy on the Coast.

“We will make sure the Central Coast is firmly on the national jobs and skills agenda.”

The forum was organised by Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid, who said it was important to bring together the region’s key stakeholders to address the issues affecting access to jobs and education in the region.

“The forum was an opportunity for leaders and representatives across employment sectors to raise challenges that are affecting industries and sectors of the labour market,”

“Importantly, it was an opportunity for local State and Federal Members of Parliament to understand and listen to the issues impacting the region.

“There were many issues discussed including how we can increase female and older persons’ participation, improve the transition from high school to apprenticeships or further study, reduce the costs to re-train or re-enter the labour market and invest in the region’s infrastructure to boost our ability to attract and support job creation.

“The challenges and opportunities that have been discussed at the Central Coast Jobs and Skills Forum have been recorded and will be submitted to the National Jobs and Skills Summit, which will then assist the Federal Government’s White Paper.”

All Australians will have the ability to contribute their ideas through the White Paper submission process, following the National Jobs and Skills Summit.

Source:
Media release, Sep 2
Member for Robertson, Gordon Reid