Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business
Senator for Western Australia
Phillip Thompson OAM MP
Member for Herbert
Expressions of Interest Open for Townsville Jobs and Skills Taskforce
Expressions of interest are now open for membership of the Local Jobs and Skills Taskforce in Townsville.
As part of the $62.8 million Local Jobs Program, taskforces are a “go local” scheme designed to get Australians in 25 locations back to work and help the nation’s economic recovery from COVID-19.
Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, said tailoring solutions specific to local areas was vital to helping regions recover.
“Local communities and small and family businesses know what works best for them,” Minister Cash said.
“Taskforces will bring together the expertise of local employers, employment and training providers and other local stakeholders, to develop projects purpose-fit for local jobs.
“Importantly, each taskforce will maximise opportunities to move people back into work and reskill or upskill to meet employer needs.”
There will be 25 Local Jobs and Skills Taskforces formed around Australia, supported by Employment Facilitators in each region.
Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said Employment Facilitators will chair the taskforces, working collaboratively with taskforce members to help connect job seekers to local training, employment opportunities and other support.
“We know our already-struggling local economy has been knocked about by COVID-19 and that’s why it’s so important we support North Queenslanders to get back to work as we rebuild,” Mr Thompson said.
“I know there are plenty of passionate locals with plenty of experience in reskilling and upskilling who would be in the perfect position to help drive our recovery by taking up one of these roles. I would strongly encourage them to put an application in as soon as they can.”
Comprising a maximum of 10 members, each taskforce will be representative of the local region, with consideration given to motivated and active nominees who have demonstrated experience in upskilling, reskilling and local economic development.
Applicants are sought from diverse backgrounds. Taskforce members will be selected from a cross-section of key local stakeholders, including employers, training organisations, employment service providers, local and state government representatives, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives and other community organisations.
To apply, please visit: https://www.employment.gov.au/local-jobs-program
Expressions of Interest close COB 6 October 2020.
ENDS