Media release – Jeremy Rockliff, Premier, Minister for State Development, Trade and the Antarctic, Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Member for Braddon; Felix Ellis, Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth, Minister for Resources, Minister for Racing, Leader of the House, Member for Braddon
Strong Plan To Build Tasmania’s First ‘Earthworks Training – Dig, Drive, Go’ Site
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said that Earthworks Training – Dig, Drive, Go would help to grow the workforce that a re-elected majority Liberal Government needs to deliver on its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
“The new $4.3 million Earthworks Training – Dig, Drive, Go site will help to deliver the hundreds of workers that we need to build Tasmania’s future infrastructure – roads, bridges, dams, wharves and commercial and residential land development,” Premier Rockliff said.
“The site will provide young Tasmanians and those looking to join the civil construction sector with practical, hands-on training in the operation of plant and heavy machinery.
“It will provide for faster, safer and more efficient training for plant and machinery operators and a wide range of other jobs, from truck drivers and road-traffic controllers to those working in safety roles, pipe laying, and other industry-specific training needs.
“It is estimated that Earthworks Training – Dig, Drive, Go will deliver up to 3,000 training qualifications a year in the civil construction industry alone, and many more across building and construction, forestry, agriculture, energy, mining and transport.”
Minister for Skills, Training and Workforce Growth, Felix Ellis, said that Earthworks Training – Dig, Drive, Go would be a partnership between Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania and Rural Youth Tasmania, delivering real-life training in a safe, controlled environment and an authentic industry setting.
“We know that to fulfill our $27 billion game-changing infrastructure pipeline, we need to train and employ more than 650 additional plant and machinery operators, and other critical sector occupations each year,” Minister Ellis said.
“Earthworks Training – Dig, Drive, Go will significantly enhance the civil construction sector’s ability to attract younger workers, especially more female workers, and will strengthen the school-based pathways into the sector.
“Earthworks Training – Dig, Drive, Go will also support career awareness activities, including VET in schools, job-ready courses, career ‘come and try’ days, and will collaborate with industry sectors on their ongoing needs.”
The plan includes $1.8 million to establish the site’s infrastructure, including demountable site buildings for classrooms, toilets, a work site, a lunchroom, a trainer’s office and first aid, and an equipment shed.
It also includes $2.5 million for equipment including excavators, roller, grader, skid-steer, 10-yard truck, telehandler, front-end loader, backhoe and safety equipment.
The Liberals will invest $4.3 million to establish the site’s infrastructure and training equipment, with the facility expected to be open to all current and future Registered Training Organisations, including TasTAFE by 2025.
Media release – Rebecca White, Tasmanian Labor Leader, 23 February 2024
Tassie tourism to take off under a Labor Government
A Rebecca White Labor Government will invest an additional $15 million over three years to secure international flights from Hobart International Airport to destinations including New Zealand and Asia.
The commitment comes as part of Tasmanian Labor’s $97.8 million Tourism, Hospitality and Events Package to progress key tourism projects around Tasmania, maximising our potential as a major drawcard, creating secure jobs and supporting workers in our visitor economy.
As an island state, Labor understands the importance of maintaining and enhancing Tasmania’s access through our ports – both sea and air – to welcome visitors here and increase the value of our visitor economy.
That’s why a Labor government will provide an additional $15 million to roll out initiatives identified in Tasmania’s 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy and the Tasmanian Hospitality Industry 2030 Plan.
We also recognise the need to bring new products to market, which is why we will deliver a $50 million no-interest Visitor Economy Infrastructure and Innovation Loan Scheme to help operators make improvements to their businesses.
Our plan includes additional funding for Tourism Tasmania for destination marketing, supporting more women into leadership roles and we have also committed to not introducing the visitor tax promised by Jeremy Rockliff’s Liberals.
Labor will also invest an additional $8.5 million into our hospitality sector, with more funds for the excellent Great Customer Experience Program, mental health support and training in hospitality and tourism.
And we will invest an extra $21.6 million in events, with an Events Attraction and Support Fund to give long-term certainty for existing events like Mona Foma, the Taste of Summer, Festivale and Party in the Paddock.
With the tourism industry contributing $2.59 billion to the economy each year and hospitality contributing $747 million, a Labor Government will help them to thrive through a range of programs and investment in the Tasmanian brand.
Under a Labor Government, the Premier will also serve as Tourism Minister – reflecting the importance of our world-class industry.
It’s time for a better future. Labor is proud of Tasmania’s reputation as a visitor destination and a Labor Government will provide the support and investment needed for our visitor economy to thrive.
Media release – Visitor Experience Training (VXT), 23 February 2024
VXT WELCOMES LABOR’S SUPPORT FOR VITAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Visitor Experience Training (VXT) is a partnership between the tourism and hospitality industries and is dedicated to training the hospitality and tourism workforce needed to deliver a true Tasmanian experience to visitors and locals.
Today the Labor Party has committed to continue funding VXT for the next two years at least, should it form government after the election.
VXT Chair, Lisa Punshon, welcomed the announcement.
“VXT is helping to train the tourism and hospitality workforce of the future and we welcome Labor’s commitment today,” Ms Punshon said.
“An additional two years of funding will give VXT the certainty and stability we need to retain and recruit the staff we need, to develop and deliver training programs around the state and importantly to work with all Tasmanians interested in an exciting and rewarding career in tourism and hospitality.
“VXT is working with both parties to ensure they understand how important our training programs are and the long-term benefits they are delivering from the state. We have had positive discussions with the Liberal Party as well and we look forward to their tourism and hospitality policy announcement ahead of the election.”
Media release – Tasmanian Hospitality Association, 23 February 2024
THA applauds Labor’s funding injection into hospitality sector
The Tasmanian Hospitality Association welcomes Labor’s $97.8 million funding package for the hospitality, tourism and event industries announced this morning. The state’s hospitality sector continues to grow in stature and prestige and the commitment will assist in its revitalisation and sustainability, as well as keep our world-class reputation intact.
Businesses remain grappling with the unprecedented challenges posed by the ongoing global pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, and this significant injection of funds would provide a much-needed boost to the industry, fostering growth, innovation, and resilience in the face of adversity.
The $8.5 million in hospitality-specific funding announcement includes:
- $3 million to support the progress on the THA’s Hospitality 2030 Vision initiatives
- Continued support for the Great Customer Experience program, with a $250,000 per year increase of funding
- Continuation of the $250,000 per year commitment for the Women in Leadership program
- Funding of $250,000 a year to ensure people working in hospitality can access mental health support
- $500,000 a year towards the successful HOSPO Health program
- $1.3 million in funding over two years for Visitor Experience Training (VXT) Tasmania
- Continuing the Tasmanian Tourism and Hospitality Workforce Advisory Committee (TTHWAC) with an expanded role and with membership to include unions and academics such as a demographer
If elected, in its first 100 days in office Labor has also committed to ensuring TTHWAC convenes a summit to discuss how to strengthen Drysdale so it can once again be the centre of excellence for training for the industry.
“This announcement not only underscores the critical role our industry plays in the state’s economic prosperity, but also demonstrates a genuine commitment from Labor to support businesses during trying times,” THA chief executive Steve Old said.
“With initiatives focused on enhancing workforce skills, fostering innovation, and improving health and wellbeing, Labor’s funding package aligns with THA’s vision for a vibrant, resilient hospitality sector.
“We appreciate the support and the announcement today from the Labor party. We have been doing some great work over the last few years, we’ve spoken to Bec [Labor leader Rebecca White] about these programs and we are really excited by the fact the Labor party has come out and announced a policy that is going to continue to support those and grow what we are already doing.
“As the leading advocate for the Tasmanian hospitality sector, the THA remains committed to working closely with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the community to drive positive change and secure a prosperous future for hospitality businesses across the state. We look forward to hearing not only the Liberal Party’s policy but also from the minor parties and candidates to see how they plan on supporting our sector leading into March 23.”
