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STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER, THE HON P J KEATING MP
WORKING NATION JOBS IN SOUTH-WEST QUEENSLAND
I am pleased to announce today a $ 12 million Working Nation Project to put
1000 long-term unemployed people from South-VWest Queensland into jobs.
The positions cover a diverse range of industries in the drought-stricken
southern inland region from the Lockyer Valley west to the South Australian
border. They include skilled and unskilled work, will last for six months, and could lead
to permanent work.
The project, known as " Partnerships Inc.", was funded under the New Work
Opportunities scheme, an iifftive-6f -the Federal Government's Working
Nation employment strategy.
The proposal was submitted by the Southern Inland Queensland Area
Consultative Committee ( ACC), a group of local business, community, union
and government representatives chaired by Toowoomba solicitor Mr Pat
Nunan.
With the effects of the drought on this area, the prospects of business picking
up quickly, without assistance, and giving work to the local unemployed are
still some way down the track.
The pattern of previous recoveries shows that the vast bulk of new jobs go to
new entrants to the labour market, not the long-term unemployed.
This project is a partnership of government, employers and the community
working toward the goal of securing much needed jobs and recovery for this
region and ensuring the long-term unemployed are equipped to compete for
the new jobs.
The placements include work with primary producers, drought landcare
projects, tourist operators, government, the health-care industry and hospitality
and retail employers.
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The project area includes Toowoomba, Warwick, Gatton, Crows Nest,
Pittsworth, Clifton, Allora, Stanthorpe, Texas, Goondiwindi, St George,
Dirranbandi, Dalby, Chinchilla, Miles, Roma, Taroom, Wandoan, Charleville,
Cunnamulla, Quilpie and Tambo.
The ACC is one of 62 similar independent groups set up across the country
under Working Nation to generate local employment.
Employers interested in participating in the scheme can contact ACC member
Peter Nicol of Toowoomba Regional Development Corporation on ( 076)
385977. Job seekers will be placed through the local CES.
ROMA 2 August 1995