LOW UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES PAVE THE WAY FOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 

Catholic Social Services Australia Executive Director, Frank Quinlan, today welcomed news that unemployment figures remained at 4.9 per cent, but he said there was still an urgent need to invest more in skills and training, especially for young people, people with a disability and sole parents. 

Commenting on Australian Bureau of Statistics employment figures released today, Mr Quinlan said many Australians still experience serious barriers to employment. 

“Today’s figures provide the opportunity for the Government to release additional funds to help some of the country’s most marginalised people prepare for meaningful, long term work,” Mr Quinlan said. 

“Investment in skills, training and support will help many of these people overcome the difficulties and be more competitive in the labour market. 

“It will also go a long way to meeting the needs of employers who are finding it hard to fill jobs because of a skilled labour shortage.   

“Many people would welcome the opportunity to join the workforce or increase their participation, sooner rather than later, but need help through existing programs like the  Personal Support Programme, Job Placement Employment and Training and Disability Open Employment Service. 

“There’s been a welcome investment in these programs, but more places are urgently needed.  

“Over 7,500 people are on waiting lists for PSP alone. These lists are up to 12 months in some areas of Australia. Many of these people have a mental illness and many are homeless. 

“The Government promised an additional 8,000 PSP places over five years in the 2006 Budget.  These places should be released now to provide urgently needed help. 

“With a strong economy and a strong labour market, Australia is well placed to care for people who may never work. 

“We are also in a strong position to support those people who contribute so much to society through unpaid work,” Mr Quinlan said. 

Catholic Social Services Australia provides services to over a million Australians each year. 

13 July 2006           12/2006

CONTACT  Judith Tokley 02 6285 1366 / 0408 824 306