Local discussion ahead of jobs summit

A JOBS and skills roundtable took place at Bendigo TAFE last week, with industry leaders asked to share their thoughts on local employment gaps and opportunities.

Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor, joined Member for Bendigo, Lisa Chesters, for the discussion, which will be used to contribute to the national jobs and skills summit held in Canberra on 1 and 2 September.

“These roundtables are happening across Australia in regions like ours and in industries to feed into what will be a very important event, a milestone in the Australian economy and community,” Ms Chesters said.

Mr O’Connor said the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development has identified Australia as having the second highest labour shortage in the developed world.

“Every part of Australia has general and unique challenges,” he said.

“The Bendigo economy is different from other parts of Victoria and Australia, it really is absolutely vital that government is engaging.

“That’s why I’m here, to make sure I’m hearing about the challenges that occur in regional Victoria.”

Stakeholders from industries such as childhood education, banking, health, and hospitality attended the event.

Issues the Federal Government could consider at the summit include raising the annual migration intake, currently capped at 160,000.

“We have yet to set the permanent skill pathway threshold, but we’re listening to employers and unions about what that target should be,” Mr O’Connor said.

Other topics that could be on the agenda relate to skills training and education, speeding up the visa application process and increasing wages.