Media release(s) – Rebecca White MP, Labor Leader, 17 November 2020
Working for Tasmania: Labor’s jobs plan
Tasmanian Labor has released a fully costed jobs plan designed to stimulate the economy, foster business growth and get Tasmanians into secure jobs.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said job creation is Labor’s highest priority.
“Tasmania’s biggest economic challenge before COVID-19 was job creation. The pandemic has only compounded the problem.
“Creating jobs and getting more people into secure and stable jobs is Labor’s number one priority. But they must be good jobs.
“COVID-19 exposed the weaknesses in our economy: an overreliance on certain industries, high rates of casualisation and underemployment.
“We need to address these issues in our recovery or we will remain exposed to repeating the mistakes of the past.”
Ms White said Labor’s jobs plan, Working for Tasmania, sets out strategies to support sectors and industries hardest hit by COVID, and a vision for economy wide growth.
“The Liberals plan to build their way out of COVID. While we know infrastructure projects are important, much more is needed.
“Labor’s plan connects education, skills and training, private sector investment, government spending and infrastructure development to get more Tasmanians into work.”
Ms White said Working for Tasmania includes a number of key strategic initiatives, including:
- A strategy to protect jobs in tourism, hospitality and the arts
- A rebuild of TAFE from the ground up, and free TAFE courses in areas of critical need
- An apprentice guarantee for older workers seeking to retrain
- Bolstering secure jobs in the public sector
- Programs to support small business growth
- A jobs and innovation fund to drive business growth and create jobs
- Initiatives to improve government spending decisions for the benefit of Tasmanians
- Fast track construction of affordable housing
- Enhancements of critical northern ports
“Our plan is fully costed, it includes achievable savings and redirected government spending and, critically, it will work,” Ms White said.
“The best thing we can do to strengthen the economy and put the budget on a pathway back to sustainability is to get people back into work.
“Labor’s jobs plan will build a better and fairer Tasmania.”
David O’Byrne MP, Shadow Treasurer, 17 November 2020
Labor’s ambitious, compassionate Jobs Plan steers post-COVID Tasmania forward
Labor’s fully costed Working for Tasmania jobs plan will seriously target the state’s skyrocketing unemployment and create the jobs the Liberal Government’s State Budget failed to.
Shadow Treasurer David O’Byrne said the biggest priority for government in Tasmania’s post-COVID economic recovery must be creating more jobs and tackling unemployment.
“Labor’s plan has ambition for Tasmania’s economy and compassion for Tasmania’s disadvantaged regions and people,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“In the six years of Liberal Government before COVID-19 Tasmania experienced economic growth. But the so-called Gutwein Golden Age of the pre-COVID era wasted the fruits of growth and left thousands of Tasmanians behind.
“On the eve of the COVID-19 crisis the Tasmanian economy was already slowing. Growth rates for exports, business investment and consumption were weak. Job growth was very low. Only 700 new jobs were created in 2018-19.
“Our 7.6 per cent unemployment rate is the second highest in the nation and the Gutwein Government is asking Tasmanians to accept job losses of nearly 7000 over the next two years and an unemployment rate of 8.5 per cent, along with two years of recession.
“The government has placed all of the eggs in one basket with its fantasy $5 billion infrastructure plan – a plan even the ratings agencies say is unachievable.
“In stark contrast, Labor’s Working for Tasmania jobs plan will deliver 25,000 infrastructure driven jobs and a further 10,000 direct and indirect jobs within our targeted initiatives.
“We will directly invest more than $470 million in all sectors of the economy to create jobs, drive business investment and rebuild our TAFE and skills base. We will drive unemployment down.
“We will build more houses, support new apprenticeships for young and older unemployed workers, back small businesses and boost our disadvantaged regions. And we will deliver an efficient and timely infrastructure program which boosts Tasmania’s productive capacity.
“The Premier has a plan which clearly states Tasmania cannot be the equal of the nation on jobs and growth.”
Alison Standen MP, Shadow Minister for Housing, 17 November 2020
Labor’s Jobs Plan will get more people into homes
A Labor government would fast track development of affordable social housing, while stimulating job creation in the building and construction sector.
Shadow Minister for Housing Alison Standen said Labor’s Housing Works policy would invest $19.6 million in the first three years to deliver 490 new homes and 550 new jobs, in addition to the 1000 homes outlined by the government in this year’s State Budget.
“Labor’s number one priority is creating jobs and we will do that while at the same time delivering relief to Tasmanians struggling to put a roof over their head.
“Housing Minister Roger Jaensch has presided over a housing crisis for Tasmanians. His mounting record of announcements has not been matched by delivery of new homes and a reduction in homelessness.
“Labor will act where the Liberals have failed Tasmanians.”
Ms Standen said as part of Labor’s fully costed jobs plan, Working for Tasmania, there will also be $17.5 million invested in addressing the maintenance backlog in Tasmania’s social housing.
“Beginning to address this backlog will not only help to ensure all Tasmanians are living in safe, healthy and warm houses, but will provide a massive shot in the arm for businesses and workers in our building and construction industries.
“Labor’s Jobs Plan will get people into good jobs, address critical issues like social housing, and start building a better and fairer Tasmania.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP, Shadow Minister for TAFE and Skills, 17 November 2020
Labor’s Jobs Plan creating Tasmania’s future
Rebuilding TAFE from the ground up and providing free courses in critical areas is a key plank of Labor’s fully-costed jobs plan Working for Tasmania.
Shadow Labor Minister for TAFE and Skills Michelle O’Byrne said under Premier Peter Gutwein’s Budget, unemployment is forecast to remain above 8 per cent.
“We know the already worrying jobs situation is set to become much worse, yet Peter Gutwein has not presented a comprehensive jobs plan.
“The best way to strengthen the economy is to get people back into work. And we know that the pathway to a good job starts with good training.
“While the Liberals have progressively dismantled and undermined TAFE, Labor will rebuild it,” Ms O’Byrne said.
Labor will invest $22.5 million over four years to expand the teaching workforce, improve regional delivery and align training with industry needs. A further $40 million will be spent providing free TAFE training in areas of critical skills shortages.
“Tasmania’s unemployment rate is 7.6 per cent, and the youth unemployment rate is a staggering 16.5 per cent,” Ms O’Byrne said.
“Peter Gutwein has delivered Tasmanians a budget that accepts the state’s unemployment rate will grow to 8.5 per cent and offers no path out.
“Even with so many people looking for work, businesses are still flying in tradespeople, chefs and other workers from the mainland because they are unable to find skilled staff locally.
“Over the next four years Labor’s Free TAFE policy will support 20,000 Tasmanians to get a foot in the door to a good job and ensure that we have the ongoing investment in staff to train them.
“Labor understands that our economic recovery will be forever constrained without a full overhaul of our skills and training system.
“Labor has a plan to rebuild TAFE from the ground up and give Tasmanians the skills they need to get the jobs of the future.”
Sarah Lovell MLC, Shadow Minister for Health, 17 November 2020
Creating secure jobs to deliver better outcomes
Labor will create secure jobs in the state sector to reduce costs and deliver services that meet the needs of Tasmanians.
Shadow Minister for Health Sarah Lovell said the policy is part of Labor’s fully costed Jobs Plan, and would have a strong focus on jobs in the health sector, and improving health outcomes for Tasmanians.
“Reducing the reliance in our health and hospital system on locums and agency nurses will not only save costs, but ensure that quality health services are available when and where people need them.
“We’ve seen the impact of the Liberals’ failed approach, with the recent closure of the Mersey Hospital Emergency Department.
“Scaling back services in this way is unacceptable, and demonstrates that the Liberals don’t have a workforce plan to ensure the resilience of our critical health and hospital system.
“The State Budget made no commitment to delivering a secure, permanent health workforce.”
Ms Lovell said Labor’s number one priority is creating jobs, and it’s important they are good jobs.
“That means creating secure employment that gives Tasmanians access to sick leave, annual leave, and provides the security needed to make major life decisions like buying a home.
“Labor will lead by example, by identifying opportunities to convert long-term contract positions in the public service to permanent jobs, including full-time positions where appropriate.
“This will reduce reliance on overtime and lead to better service delivery for the community.
“Labor’s jobs plan Working for Tasmania will deliver better jobs, better service delivery and better health outcomes for Tasmanians.”
Anita Dow MP, Shadow Minister for Small Business, 17 November 2020
Labor will help small business get back on its feet
A Labor government would help to rebuild small businesses, giving them the help they need to employ more Tasmanian workers.
Labor will invest $18 million over four years to help improve access to training and legal support, and create vibrant business precincts in regional centres.
Shadow Minister for Small Business Anita Dow said the funding would help support Tasmania’s economic recovery and is an important part of Labor’s jobs plan, Working for Tasmania.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the Tasmanian economy and have made huge sacrifices during COVID to ensure the health and safety of our communities. Labor wants to help them rebuild and recover and help them get more Tasmanians into work.
“There is no economic recovery without a small business recovery.
“Labor’s $18 million package will help businesses get the training they need, provide legal support for common business issues and help businesses meet the costs of compliance.
“A main street revitalisation fund will reinvigorate town centres in regional areas, and that will increase community pride, and attract people to shop and spend, resulting in increased confidence for small business and jobs growth.
“Labor’s fully costed jobs plan will give Tasmanian businesses the support they need to recover strongly post-COVID.
“Labor is committed to getting Tasmanians back to work.”
Rebecca White MP, Shadow Tourism Minister, 17 November 2020
Devastated tourism and hospitality industry given new lease on life under Labor’s Jobs Plan
Tasmania’s devastated tourism, hospitality and arts sectors will be given the opportunity to rise from the COVID crisis with a significant package of incentives under a re-elected Labor Government.
Shadow Tourism Minister Rebecca White said the industry, which is critical to Tasmania, has been crushed by border closures and ongoing COVID restrictions.
Ms White said Labor’s Working for Tasmania jobs plan will reconnect people with venues, events and places, fund important infrastructure upgrades and invest in training that will deliver the workforce needed in recovery.
“Tourism, hospitality and arts industries are facing the peril of three winters,” Ms White said.
“Many businesses rely on the increased summer trade to get them through the lean winter period, but with international flights suspended and many major events cancelled, this summer will be a challenge.
“Labor’s plan will protect jobs in tourism, hospitality and the arts to get through to next summer.
“Nearly 3,500 jobs have been lost in the tourism and hospitality sector, including more than 700 in the past month and the industry continues to go backwards because the government just isn’t doing enough.
“The industry faces chronic skill shortages that put a handbrake on growth but Labor’s Free TAFE policy will provide free training for people wanting to work in these sectors.
“Labor’s broader plan to rebuild TAFE will also make training more accessible in regional areas and more responsive to industry needs.”
Labor’s major initiatives to support the crucial tourism industry include:
- A $5 million Reimagined Events Fund to support events and festivals adapt to the challenges post-COVID, possibly operating events across multiple smaller sites and running smaller, more premium events
- An offer to underwrite insurance costs of up to $10,000 for events from Symphony Under the Stars to Festivale to Agfest
- Providing $2 million to enable Business Events Tasmania to aggressively market the state as a business event destination for conferences and business events
- Redirecting funding for unclaimed Make Yourself at Home vouchers for use in restaurants and other food and dining businesses
- Setting aside $5 million for contingency support grants for businesses addressing fee waivers, bill relief and other assistance as need arises
- Getting tourist rail back on track with $500,000 to fund public liability insurance for rail operators over four years
- Boosting the Digital Ready Program, with additional funding of $100,000 to help tourism and hospitality businesses build an online presence
- Upgrading facilities in Tasmania’s parks and natural attractions with $20 million for infrastructure upgrades, supporting up to 200 jobs in construction industries
David O’Byrne MP, Shadow Treasurer, 17 November 2020
Labor’s Jobs and Innovation Fund will drive growth and create more jobs
A Labor Government will allocate $55 million to a new Jobs and Innovation Fund to drive innovation and create more jobs.
The fund is a key initiative in Labor’s fully costed jobs plan, Working for Tasmania.
Shadow Treasurer David O’Byrne said the Jobs and Innovation Fund would be one of the largest investment funds ever delivered in Tasmania.
“Labor will provide competitive grants to support more businesses to grow and create jobs as a key part of Tasmania’s COVID recovery.
“The Jobs and Innovation Fund is expected to stimulate at least $220 million of business investment and create 1600 jobs, and will leverage at least two dollars of private investment for every public dollar spent.
“Experience with similar programs has shown a return of close to $5 of private investment for every public dollar spent,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“As we find our way out of the COVID pandemic it’s crucial that we focus on creating more jobs, rather than take the lead of the Liberals and do nothing as our unemployment rate climbs beyond eight per cent.
“The Liberal Government is sitting back allowing unemployment to skyrocket but a Labor Government would stimulate growth and create employment rather than sit by while jobs are shed.
“Business investment fell more than 20 per cent in the 2019-20 financial year and even before the pandemic, business investment had fallen more than 15 per cent.
“One in four businesses have cancelled investment plans, putting a handbrake on growth and job creation.”
Mr O’Byrne said the fund will enable planned investments to be brought forward, prevent investment being delayed due to current economic conditions and stimulate new investment.
It will drive innovation in new industries, as well as allow traditional industries like forestry, mining, aquaculture, manufacturing and agriculture to continue to grow.
Funding will be allocated through competitive grant rounds and priority will be given to investments that will result in business growth and job creation.
Rebecca White MP, Labor Leader & Shane Broad MP, Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, 17 November 2020
Labor’s Sea Highway Plan will invest to get Tasmania moving again
A Labor Government will invest $150 million into northern Tasmania’s network of ports and other key infrastructure to get Tasmania’s crucial export businesses moving again.
The plan is a key initiative in Labor’s fully costed jobs plan, Working for Tasmania.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said a lack of investment in the state’s ports was constraining Tasmania’s export industries and putting a handbrake on growth.
“The Liberal government talks big on investment in infrastructure but ultimately, as all Tasmanians understand, fails big on delivery,” Ms White said.
“The government will not deliver on its fantasy $5 billion infrastructure plan because it has a woeful track record in building infrastructure.
“As an island state, Tasmania’s ‘Sea Highway’ is the most important highway we have. It supports our major export businesses in mining, forestry and agriculture, and brings high-value drive tourists to Tasmania.
“Our island status has been central to keeping us safe from COVID-19 and should also be the centrepiece of our economic recovery.”
Labor’s Sea Highway Plan will invest $150 million into our ports and drive down costs for exporters. It will also fast track delivery of the Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships.
The plan includes:
- Fast tracking the $850 million purchase of two new Bass Strait ferries
- Contributing $80 million to upgrade the Burnie Port to accommodate larger vessels, improve bulk storage capacity and further improve ship loading efficiency, all of which will drive down costs for exporters
- Contributing $60 million at the Port of Devonport to accommodate the new Spirit of Tasmania vessels, expand berthing facilities for transport and logistics providers, and create future opportunities for commercial fishing and the potential development of a marina and facilities for public events
- Contributing $10 million at Bell Bay Port to create multiple berths for forestry and mining exports, increase the port’s fuel storage capacity, replace old fuel pipelines and establish a new transport and wash-down system for forestry exports
Shadow Infrastructure Minister Shane Broad said it was critical to invest in Tasmania’s Sea Highway in the post-COVID recovery.
“The Liberal government has not funded any of these initiatives in its budget.
“Only Labor is committing state government funding to these projects, and additional investment will be made by TasPorts, which has the potential to unlock even greater opportunity.
“And there has never been a more important time to add more capacity to Bass Strait.
“New ships with greater capacity will support the growth of businesses in the tourism sector and trigger growth and jobs in the forestry, mining and agriculture sectors.”
Rebecca White MP, Labor Leader, 17 November 2020
Labor’s Second Chance Career Program will give over 35s a new path forward
Older Tasmanians caught up in the COVID-19 unemployment crisis will be offered a fresh start under a re-elected Labor Government’s Second Chance Career Program.
Under the program, Labor will provide a $30,000 apprenticeship guarantee for older workers seeking a fresh career start as an apprentice. This is a key initiative in Labor’s fully costed jobs plan, Working for Tasmania.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said workers aged 35 or over will be eligible for the apprenticeship guarantee and employers who choose an adult apprentice would receive $10,000 each year over three years to remove the economic disincentive to employing older apprentices.
“Older unemployed Tasmanians face an uphill battle and face significant disadvantage in trying to enter the jobs market,” Ms White said.
“The COVID pandemic has seen a rapid rise in unemployment across Tasmania and older workers who have lost their jobs or have seen their hours cut substantially are at a greater risk.
“Without action by government and support for older workers many may never find meaningful employment again and that is devastating for families.
“Many older Tasmanians have skills and experience built up over years in the workforce but too often the cost of employing older apprentices means that employers are reluctant to give them a start in a trades or craft career.”
The additional employment cost of adult apprentices compared to junior apprentices can be anywhere from around $24,000 up to $42,000 over a three or four year period.
“While access to additional training and providing opportunities for older unemployed workers to gain new skills are important they are no substitute for providing real jobs which come with training and skills development in the workplace.
“Apprenticeships can deliver this and give unemployed workers a chance to build a new career.”
Under Labor’s $15 million program, 500 apprenticeship guarantees will be provided.
“While the Liberal Government is prepared to sit back and allow the unemployment rate to blow out to beyond eight per cent, Labor stands with disadvantaged older workers.
“We will ensure that 500 older Tasmanians who want and need a new career have the opportunity to do so in jobs where they are paid from day one in respected and well paid industries.”
LIBERALS: Budget 2020-21: Premier’s Speech.
