Cheeseman talks up Working for Victoria program

SOUTH Barwon Labor MP Darren Cheeseman says local workers who are out of a job because of the coronavirus pandemic will have access to new jobs through his party’s $500 million Working for Victoria initiative.
Working for Victoria is matching thousands of Victorians who have lost their job due to the coronavirus crisis with employers that need workers.
Jobs expected to be available through Working for Victoria include caregiving, operating machinery, preparing food, working in agriculture, food production and roles to support the state government’s coronavirus response, such as contact tracing and hotel quarantine support.
More than 6,700 people have started in new roles since the fund was launched in April. The initiative also provides people with access to training where required to take on new positions.
More than 250 businesses have signed up to find staff through Working for Victoria and more are encouraged to get on board.
“This support will deliver crucial jobs in helping people who have lost their job due to no fault of their own who, in turn, will now help their fellow community members,” Mr Cheeseman said. “We’re backing and supporting people when they need it most and fighting for every local job.”
Working for Victoria aims to get those looking for work into roles as soon as possible.
The time it takes to place workers in new roles will be dependent firstly on the availability of jobs and people’s areas of interest.
Applicants will receive a notification from Sidekicker as new jobs that match your skills and interests become available.
The initiative is part of Labor’s $1.7 billion Economic Survival Package, which also includes payroll tax refunds and deferrals; and $500 million to establish a Business Support Fund to support the hardest hit sectors such as hospitality, tourism, accommodation, arts and entertainment, and retail.
For more information, head to vic.gov.au/workingforvictoria.