Richmond MP hits out over youth unemployment
More than one in three local teenagers looking for full-time work can’t get it, according to the Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot.
“In this climate it is outrageous that the Howard Government relies on importing skilled workers from overseas rather than training Australians first,” Ms Elliot said.
“Recent ABS figures show that Richmond’s teenage full-time unemployment rate has climbed to a staggering 36.8 per cent, up from 27.7 per cent this time last year.
“Over the last 10years the Howard Government has systematically ripped funding out of our education and vocational training systems – making it harder for young people to get the support and preparation they need to enter the workforce.
“Despite a massive skills crisis we are seeing $100,000 degrees, 300,000 young people turned away from TAFE each year and very few policies designed to assist our young people on their pathway to employment.
“The Howard Government’s refusal to invest in infrastructure, transport and industry development in regional areas like Richmond adds further barriers to young people reaching their potential.”
March 1st, 2006 at 3:10 pm
For a place like Ballina, I really believe that it is the lack of industry that drives up the unemployment rate more so than training and skill development.