Jobs need image makeover to move forward: Business NSW

Business leader said while budget gives the money to supply jobs, there needs to be more done to make them attractive to workers

Jobs in need, such as in aged care, need to be made more attractive for workers according to Business NSW.

A local business leader has said while the budget provides for upskilling and training people into jobs and reducing unemployment, it will amount to little if the jobs aren’t made more attractive.

Business NSW Northern Rivers Regional Manager Jane Laverty said the Federal Government had delivered a Budget that supports a business led economic recovery from the depths of the COVID pandemic.

“This is a Budget for the extraordinary times we are living in – recognising the recent difficulties, but full of optimism that the next few years will be more prosperous through job creation and infrastructure spending and skills development, “ Ms Laverty said.

“Overall this budget supports jobs and will help business owners lead the Australian economic recovery from the COVID pandemic.”

Jane Laverty, NSW Business Chamber Northern Rivers Regional Manager

Ms Laverty said a good strategy is needed to be implemented alongside the investment into skills development.

“It is no use putting investment into training if we do not have people inspired to pursue a career in those industries,” she said.

“Aged care, hospitality, trades and construction need an image lift if we want to attract a new workforce, from school leavers to mums re-entering the workforce to those transition from one sector to another, it needs to be an attractive proposition.”

“It is no use putting investment into training if we do not have people inspired to pursue a career in those industries.

Ms Laverty said the area needed these skilled workers to support the businesses wanting to take advantage of apprenticeship/traineeship wage subsidies.

“I have an electrician at the moment who cannot take on anymore apprentices as he cannot find any more fully qualified electricians to supervise,” she said.

Other measures that business owners have embraced have been extended, including the instant asset write off scheme which Ms Laverty said, allowed business owners to purchase much needed equipment to allow their business to grow, while the small business loan scheme has been extended, as has the temporary loss carry back initiative.

“These are important measures that have a big impact and make it easier for small business owners to keep their doors open each day, reinvest in their businesses and employ their fellow Australians,” she said.

“Tax cuts for low and middle income workers will also put more money in the pockets of workers, allowing them to support their local businesses and community.

The Treasurer has announced the deficit will reach $161 billion for the current year, falling to $57 billion in 2024-25. The unemployment rate is expected to fall to 5 per cent in mid-2022 before falling further to 4.75 per cent in mid-2023.