Ross Vasta (Bonner, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Following the downsizing of Caterpillar in Burnie beginning last year, the Turnbull Liberal government has responded with a $2.3 million structural adjustment package. A key aspect of that package is a Jobs Fair to give those workers from Caterpillar—and also workers impacted down the supply chain—an opportunity to network and establish connections with employers, and to discover new job opportunities. It will be held at the Burnie Arts and Function Centre on Tuesday 22 March.

There is no doubt that the closure of the Caterpillar underground mining and manufacturing plant in Burnie will continue to have a significant effect on the local economy. However, I believe that advanced manufacturing has a strong and prosperous future on the North West coast. We continue to be world leaders in the manufacturing of mining trucks, rail and forestry machines, pyrethrum, and many other products. It is through events like the Burnie Jobs Fair that we can help these industries grow by matching industry needs with the highly skilled workers now looking for work. I encourage all the training organisations, manufacturing employers, and potential employees to take full advantage of the opportunities that a professionally run, advanced-manufacturing-focused jobs fair will bring. Every change brings opportunity and, while the downsizing of Cat does bring a change to the employment in the region, the opportunities for advanced manufacturing are out there waiting to be seized—especially as the free trade agreements come into effect. The Burnie Jobs Fair is an exciting event to empower the people of Braddon to take control of our region and our future.