Page 2196 - Week 08 - Thursday, 10 September 1992
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points to 56.9 per cent. Room occupancy rates are now the highest in Australia, indicating the good prospects for this sector. The accommodation sector is consolidating its position following a significant increase in the supply of rooms during the late 1980s.
The improvement in the tourism industry will provide substantial benefits to the ACT economy, especially job opportunities for younger people. Madam Speaker, the recruiting drive undertaken by the Canberra casino is an obvious example of employment opportunities created by the tourism industry. The recent trends in the building and construction industry and the tourism industry are indicative of the positive long-term business environment for the ACT. These encouraging signs will provide businesses in the ACT with confidence for growth and expansion, and, most importantly, for recruitment of new staff.
Madam Speaker, the Government has a proven record of caring for those people most affected by the recession, that is, the unemployed. The Government has been actively addressing the unemployment situation through a number of employment and training initiatives. These are aimed at increasing the employment opportunities and the skill levels of people in the ACT. My Government recognises the particularly tragic issues of youth unemployment, and we have provided funding for a number of programs to help young people gain skills to enter the work force. Funding has been increased in the Jobline and Involve programs to assist young people with short-term employment. People will receive training to enhance their future job prospects.
The Government has also secured funding for the ACT for 270 places under the Commonwealth Jobskills program. This program provides paid work experience and training opportunities for long-term unemployed people aged over 21. Young people will also have the opportunity to increase skill levels through the innovative venture and development program introduced by my department. Women's employment is high on my Government's priorities, and I have already announced initiatives through the tradeswomen on the move program and expanding training opportunities for women to re-enter the work force.
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, this ministerial statement puts on record the high priority that the Government gives to employment and the positive signs which are emerging in our labour market. This commitment and priority will become even clearer after the budget is announced next week. My Government is also concerned with the future of those persons most affected by the recession, that is, the unemployed. We recognise the need to support these people and to provide training so that they will be better placed to obtain jobs as the labour market improves. The labour force statistics released today provide cautious optimism about economic recovery and the resumption of employment growth in the ACT. As I have said, already in 1992-93, after only two months of data, there has been significant job growth, with 1,200 new jobs created for the people of Canberra.
Madam Speaker, the Government recognises that the future of Canberra depends largely on the future expansion and development of the private sector. This recognition of our commitment to job growth will be reflected in next week's budget. The Government is working closely with the private sector to ensure that the investment environment is right and that business and industry are given every encouragement. This contrasts with the Opposition's plans for Canberra.
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