The latest ABS statistics (September 2015) show a reduction in the
unemployment rate for the Hunter Valley Labour Force Region --· 9.7 per
cent from 12.8 per cent (March 2015).
The Government has established Jobs for NSW, an initiative that uses private
sector expertise to develop better incentives for businesses to create jobs.
The $190 million Jobs for NSW fund will be rolled out to assist regional
businesses and industries to grow jobs, with 30 per cent of funding dedicated
to regional job creation.
The Government is also working directly with key business groups in the
Hunter to support jobs growth. The Department of Industry, Skills and Regional
Coordination has initiated industry roundtable forums to monitor the regional
economy and develop strategies to support local industry. Key stakeholders,
including the Australian Industry Group, Hunter Business Chamber, HunterNet and
the Hunter Research Foundation, are represented at this forum.
The Government has also appointed a local employment coordinator, Ms Jane
Callinan, for the Upper Hunter to work with Commonwealth agencies, councils,
large employers, local business chambers and skills training organisations to
facilitate:
New apprenticeship and training pathways for unemployed youth and school
leavers
Practical support for youth to access training and employment, including
public transport services.
The Government provides funding assistance to businesses in the Hunter
region to help
facilitate new job creation through:
Payroll tax rebates from the Office of State Revenue (OSR) for the creation
of new positions in larger firms
OSR grants for the creation of new jobs within small businesses.
The Government is also delivering the social and economic infrastructure
needed to support jobs growth in the Hunter. This includes a commitment to date
of almost $400 million through the Hunter Infrastructure and Investment Fund,
and $106 million through Resources for Regions.
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