Average unemployment figures don’t show the reality of the problem for many people in our region, says Greens candidate for Werriwa Signe Westerberg.
“Young people especially are finding it heartbreaking and debilitating trying to gain employment,” Mrs Westerberg said.
“An even greater problem is the rate of under-employment, where people aren’t counted as unemployed because they get some work, but not enough to come close to even making ends meet.”
“These people are living in poverty, and that’s just not acceptable in a country like ours,” Mrs Westerberg said.
The Greens believe that government has a role to play in creating job opportunities beyond promising handouts to giant corporations.
“So called trickle down economics has been debunked as a myth and a failure, yet this government has that as its single weapon against unemployment and underemployment,” Mrs Westerberg said.
“Rather than splurging on corporate tax cuts and fossil-fuel subsidies, the Greens will legislate for investment in job creating and revenue generating infrastructure programs, to generate assets for the people and build opportunities today and into a clean energy future.
“This is the country that took on bold projects like the Snowy scheme, which was right for its time.
“We need a government that has the courage to show that bold enterprise with new technologies and industries is possible.’’
The Greens also believe in building the capability of people to be ready for work in emerging industries and markets.
“Most of the jobs today didn’t exist 50 years ago, and in 50 years from now a whole new set of jobs will be the norm,’’ Mrs Westerberg said.
“We need investment in schools, TAFEs and universities so that our people can ride the wave of change, and not be left behind.
“The Greens commitment to fully funding the Gonski reforms and to accessible and free higher education will set us up to be innovators and world leaders for decades.”
