Labor Working To Create Jobs For Greater Geelong

Labor’s Job Taskforce today met Geelong’s peak business representatives as part of Labor’s drive to develop a jobs plan for Victoria.

State Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews, Shadow Treasurer Tim Holding, Shadow Employment Minister Tim Pallas and Shadow Manufacturing Minister Adem Somyurek joined Geelong Labor MPs, John Eren, Lisa Neville and Ian Trezise to sit down with Geelong business leaders to listen to their views.

Mr Andrews said the Labor Opposition was doing what the Baillieu Government refused to do – develop a jobs plan for the Greater Geelong region and Victoria.

“Unlike the Baillieu Government, Labor is listening to the Geelong community about what needs to be done to fix Victoria’s job crisis,” he said.

“We are here today seeking input from a wide range of experts from various organisations to develop a jobs plan.

“Geelong is facing serious structural adjustment challenges with manufacturers under pressure and no leadership or assistance from the Baillieu Government.

“We understand the State Government can’t control the world we live in, but it can have a plan to attract investment, support industry and secure jobs for the Greater Geelong region.”

Mr Andrews said the State Government should deliver initiatives to keep Geelong families in work.

“It can cut the cost of business, invest in infrastructure, invest in the skills of Geelong residents, attract investment to the region and make sure government spending supports local jobs.”

Mr Holding said Geelong was an economic powerhouse under the former Labor Government.

“Labor invested heavily in the Geelong region, but the Baillieu Government has dropped the ball and is failing to support families and help industry prosper,” he said.

“Ted Baillieu doesn’t seem interested in doing the hard work needed to make sure Victoria regains its reputation as the jobs engine room of the country, or else he doesn’t understand how important a job is to Victorian families.”

Mr Somyurek said Labor was working hard to build a jobs plan to ensure Geelong families remained in work.

Mr Andrews and Mr Holding have written to more than 240 organisations, including business groups, local councils and unions, seeking their views that will help shape the plan.

Community, business groups, unions and other organisations can have their say by visiting www.danielandrews.com.au/haveyoursay