Innovative regional support
Forty Keep Australia Working Jobs and Skills Expos were held between October 2009 and December 2010 in the 20 Priority Employment Areas.
These attracted over 154,000 attendees, 3,000 exhibitors and connected over 15,500 job seekers with job opportunities.
Boosting employment opportunities in the regions
The patchwork economy means that there are some regions that are not doing as well, and need extra support to get people back into work.
In 2009, the Government announced it would assist 20 Priority Employment Areas through targeted strategies for supporting jobs at a regional and local level. These areas benefit from activities that respond to the needs of local labour markets and work across government, community and business to stimulate the local economy and generate new jobs.
The Government is providing $45 million to extend these initiatives, including Local Employment Coordinators and Jobs and Skills Expos until 30 June 2013.
Funding of $19 million over three years will also be provided to develop 34 regional education, skills and jobs plans. This will help identify the needs of the region, and will improve coordination of local employment initiatives.
Unemployment rates — highest and lowest unemployment regions
(Labour force region, February 2011)
Source: Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Note: Chart excludes the Northern Territory.