Jobs target set in economic recovery plan: more than 250,000 local jobs by 2025


Released 26/08/2020

A new target to grow the ACT’s total level of employment to more than 250,000 jobs will be set by the Government as part of Canberra’s economic recovery.

Currently total employment in the Territory is 233,400. Prior to the pandemic employment had reached 238,300.

The ACT’s Jobs and Economic Recovery Plan, which will be released tomorrow as part of the ACT’s budget update, will outline areas for employment growth and how the ACT Government can help create and protect local jobs through targeted infrastructure investment, tax reform, and planning and regulatory system improvements.

Already, the ACT Government has outlined significant investments and partnerships that will create local jobs over the coming years, This includes the expansion of Canberra Hospital, the new CIT Woden and Woden Transport interchange project, new campuses for UNSW Canberra and the Academy of Interactive Entertainment, active travel projects, road upgrades, as well as new and expanded schools across Canberra.

The Plan will also outline growth in the ACT Government’s own workforce to ensure that public services are available when Canberrans need them most.

We will invest in growing emerging industries and support innovation by creating and shaping future markets. This investment will include targeted skills development and partnering with our world-leading tertiary sector to train the workforce of the future.

Maintaining confidence in non-government sectors will be critical to Canberra’s future, and the Government will continue to play a role in protecting and creating jobs across both the private sector and the not-for profit sector.

Already, the ACT Government has stepped in to ensure jobs in our community sector are not lost through the end of the Commonwealth’s supplementary funding for employees under the historic Equal Remuneration Order (ERO).

To reach this ambitious jobs target, the ACT’s Jobs and Recovery plan will outline measures to support job growth in target industries for the ACT, including:

  • Healthcare
  • Education, training and early childhood education
  • Renewable energy
  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Arts and creative industries
  • Community services
  • Defence, space and cyber
  • Advanced Technology and Manufacturing
  • Construction and housing
  • Retail

The pandemic isn’t over, and the economic impacts will be felt for generations. However, in these uncertain times, ACT Government is delivering the right plan to support Canberra economic recovery and protect local jobs.

- Statement ends -

Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases


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