Federal Member for Blaxland, Jason Clare has welcomed the Gillard Government’s $1 billion Plan for Australian Jobs.
“This is very important news for our local area,” Mr Clare said.
“20 per cent of workers in our local area work in manufacturing. Manufacturing is under a lot of pressure because of the high Australian dollar.
“We need more blue collar jobs. That’s what this $1 billion plan is about- more blue collar jobs in our local area,” Mr Clare said.
The $1 billion Jobs Plan has three main elements:
1. Backing Australian firms to gain more work at home.
The Federal Government’s new Jobs Plan will give Australian firms and workers a fair and reasonable opportunity to win work on major projects. The new plan will see the establishment of a new Australian Jobs Act, creating stronger Australian Industry Participation requirements for major projects.
An Australian Industry Participation Agency will also be established under this plan. This agency will work with Australian businesses, helping them build the capabilities and connections to win work on major projects.
2. Supporting Australian industry to increase exports and win new business abroad.
Australian businesses need to be more innovative to capitalise on the economic opportunities of the future. The Government will address this by establishing up to 10 Industry Innovation Precincts.
These Industry Innovation Precincts will bring industry, firms, research institutions, technology experts and government agencies together – they will work to achieve the innovations our businesses need to succeed in the future.
3. Helping Australian businesses to grow and create the jobs of the future.
The Government will boost support for small businesses to grow by improving access to finance for small and medium sized enterprises. The Enterprise Connect program will also be extended which provides business advice, assistance and skills, to small and medium sized firms.
For more information on the Federal Governments Plan for Australian Jobs visit www.aussiejobs.innovation.gov.au
Media contact: Chris Zogopoulos 9790 2466
