Andrew Hastie (Canning, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The Liberal-National government has taken measures to fight unemployment in Canning. Over the past three years, we have funded a dedicated Mandurah Employment Facilitator, delivered $10 million to assist retrenched workers in the Peel region and supported small businesses like Madora Bay Glass, through the PaTH program. In recent weeks, the Morrison government has announced further measures to support jobseekers and local employers in Canning. First, we delivered $21.75 million to make the Peel Business Park a reality. This is a game-changing initiative driven by the Shire of Murray and the Peel Development Commission. It's designed to grow local jobs by fostering industry, export and innovation in agriculture. Second, the Peel region is one of only 10 regions in Australia to have been selected to participate in the Regional Employment Trials. Under this program, local stakeholders can apply for grants of up to $200,000 to help upskill local jobseekers. Finally, employers in the Peel region will next year be eligible to apply for the government's new wage subsidy trial. Under this program, rural small businesses will be able to subsidise the wages of apprentices in areas such as plumbing, mechanical, electrical and hairdressing. This will help young people in rural communities enter trades and careers without being forced to move to the city. Work gives people dignity and purpose. While there is still much to be done, I'm proud to be part of a government delivering practical solutions for jobseekers in the Peel region and Canning.