Picture: Kevin Lock
Liberals to tackle agricultural skills challenges
The Liberals today launched a new round of policy work to address the workforce skills issues currently holding back Australia’s billion dollar agrifood industry.
Skilling the Food Bowl was launched at Tamar Ridge vineyard this morning by Senator Richard Colbeck, State Liberals Deputy Leader Jeremy Rockliff, and Federal Liberal Candidate for Lyons Eric Hutchinson.
The policy project begins with an open forum at Clarendon House next month that will bring together educators, agricultural industry stakeholders and key State and Federal Liberal figures.
Shadow Minister for Education, Apprenticeships and Training, Christopher Pyne, is among those attending as well as West Australian Liberal Senator Chris Back who chairs the Senate References Committee for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
“Right now Australia’s primary industries contribute billions of dollars to our economy and the sector has a bright future under the right condition,” Senator Colbeck said.
“One hurdle is that the agrifoods industry struggles to attract appropriately skilled people and this is a barrier to business expansion.”
“The Liberals recognise that primary industries are the lifeblood of rural and regional communities and we see real potential for economic growth in such areas if skills and education issues can be addressed,” Mr Rockliff said.
“The Liberals’ proactive approach contrasts with the Tasmanian Government’s attitude – Minister Nick McKim has let the Agriculture Skills Plan sit idle on his desk for months, despite repeated requests from the industry for action.”
Skilling the Food Bowl outcomes will be directed into Liberal policies as the party prepares for the next State and Federal Elections.
The Forum will be held at Clarendon House on February 24, starting at 1pm.
The event flyer and registration form are on Senator Colbeck’s website www.richardcolbeck.com.au
or Download:
Skilling_the_Food_Bowl_-_Event_Flyer.pdf
