Federal Skills Minister Brendan O’Connor has highlighted the Greater South East Melbourne (GSEM) region as “key to A Future Made in Australia.”
Speaking at the launch of the GSEM Jobs and Skills Roadmap at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday, 26 June 2024, Minister O’Connor emphasised the roadmap’s role in guiding efforts across the nation.
“This roadmap will help inform me about how other regions of Australia can adopt the best strategies to ensure we have successful economies, good jobs, and ultimately, a thriving nation,” he stated.
The minister underscored the importance of planning for skills needs during times of rapid economic and labour market changes.
He stressed the necessity for greater collaboration and strategic planning between GSEM and the Federal Government to address current workforce requirements.
“We understand the importance of improving equity, inclusive growth and reducing disadvantage in our VET (Vocational Education and Training) sector,” O’Connor added.
He also encouraged GSEM to engage with the government for better labour market analysis and to comprehend “the mega trends in the national and local economies to invest in education and training in areas of existing and growing demand.”
Minister O’Connor invited the GSEM region to maintain close collaboration with Jobs and Skills Australia and the national Jobs and Skills Councils, noting their critical role in Australia’s manufacturing sector.
Greater South East Melbourne Chair Simon McKeon expressed that the launch of the GSEM Jobs and Skills Roadmap was highly successful. He mentioned that GSEM’s efforts in creating the roadmap would inspire regions across Australia to enhance local economies and equip workers with the skills needed for productive, well-paid, and fulfilling jobs.
“We are delighted that the work GSEM has undertaken in producing the roadmap will be an inspiration for regions and areas across Australia to strengthen local economies and provide the skills for workers to achieve productive, well-paid and satisfying jobs.”
McKeon also expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with government agencies at every level.
“We are also looking forward to working collaboratively with government at all levels to deliver for the workers and employers of the GSEM region,” he concluded.
