The Premier’s ignorance of current apprenticeship ratios on government infrastructure projects underlines his lack of a plan to get Tasmanians back into jobs.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said Labor’s policy of mandated apprentice numbers on public works would help give Tasmanians the pathway they need to secure jobs, as well as addressing critical skills shortages facing industry.
“Peter Gutwein claims to have accepted all the recommendations of his Economic and Social Recovery Advisory Council, including mandating apprentice ratios on all government contracts,” Ms White said.
“But the Premier demonstrated in Parliament this morning that he doesn’t even know the current number of apprentices on government infrastructure projects.
“If the wellbeing and future of Tasmanians mattered to this Premier, he would regularly be measuring compliance against this important policy.
“The Liberals have promised to build Tasmania out of recession, but the building and construction sector is already experiencing critical skills shortages while people are desperately looking for jobs.
“More than 20,000 Tasmanians lost their jobs at the height of the pandemic and, sadly, around 11,000 people remain out of work, with young people particularly hard hit.
“And, the latest ABS jobs data shows Tasmania’s jobs recovery has stalled, with around 800 more Tasmanians losing their jobs since last month’s figures were announced.
“As Labor’s COVID-19 Recovery Package points out, a 20 per cent quota of apprentices and trainees on all public works, including civil construction, would help people get a foot in the door to a job.
“By adopting this and Labor’s Free TAFE policy, we can provide the training young people need, as well as retraining for people who have lost jobs as a result of the pandemic, and ensure everyone is taken along in recovery.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
