Labor issue budget reply, includes $15M for mature workers
Labor has promised to govern alone – if re-elected – as it issues a stark reply to the state government’s budget, with large provisions for mature workers and TAFE students. SEE THEIR REPLY >>
Tasmania
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EMPLOYERS would be paid $30,000 to take on older apprentices under a Labor plan to boost job opportunities for mature workers.
Opposition leader Rebecca White will announce the plan in her budget reply today.
She said the plan would provide a apprenticeship guarantee for older workers — who have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic — seeking a fresh career start as an apprentice.
Workers aged 35 or over will be eligible for the apprenticeship guarantee and employers who choose an adult apprentice would receive $10,000 each year over three years.
The policy is part of the party’s $62 million jobs plan, which includes more teachers in school and free TAFE courses for 20,000 Tasmanians.
“Older unemployed Tasmanians face an uphill battle and face significant disadvantage in trying to enter the jobs market,” Ms White said yesterday.
“The COVID pandemic has seen a rapid rise in unemployment across Tasmania and older workers who have lost their jobs or have seen their hours cut substantially are at a greater risk.
“Without action by government and support for older workers many may never find meaningful employment again and that is devastating for families.
“Many older Tasmanians have skills and experience built up over years in the workforce but too often the cost of employing older apprentices means that employers are reluctant to give them a start in a trades or craft career.”
Ms White said the additional cost of employing older apprentices was between $24,000 up to $42,000 over a three or four year period.
Labor yesterday startled letterboxing voters with leaflets pledging not to form a coalition with the Greens ever again.
“The Greens are holding the State back, and it’s because they only ever provide a voice for the few,” the leaflet quoited Ms White as saying.
“They do not seek consensus. They ridicule and talk down to anyone who doesn’t agree with their view.
“They leave people behind. Working people. As I have said repeatedly, at the next election, Labor will govern alone, or not at all.”
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said she was disappointed by the flyers.
“Progressive governments in the ACT and New Zealand are demonstrating the positive power and possibilities of collaborative government. The resounding return of those governments at recent elections shows they can be popular too.
“The Greens have a positive vision for lutruwita/Tasmania, and we’re proud to represent tens of thousands of people from all over this island.
“Rebecca White seems certain today she doesn’t want to work with the Greens in the best interests of our shared island home, but if she changes her mind before or after the next election all she needs to do is pick up the phone.”
Originally published as Labor issue budget reply, includes $15M for mature workers
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