Labor tackles job security at forum

Residents demanded answers and commitment from State Opposition Leader Mark McGowan at a jobs forum this week.

The forum, held at Geraldton PCYC by WA Labor candidate for Geraldton Lara Dalton, went over time as residents raised concerns about issues, from job security and unemployment rates to the rise in TAFE costs.

Mr McGowan said a Labor State government would push for more jobs in Geraldton and ensure greater permanency for people working in the public sector.

“Secure permanent employment is the key to people having confidence. If people have confidence then they are willing to spend and invest,” he said.

The unemployment rate in the Greater Geraldton area is at 7.3 per cent, with 1607 people out of work.

“What I can do in relation to Government employment is make sure there’s more emphasis on Government employees having permanency,” Mr McGowan said.

“That gives more confidence for local public servants to be able to take out a mortgage, invest in retail shops and other initiatives like that.”

He also said a Labor government would focus on TAFE costs, ensuring there would be no funding cuts and tuition fees wouldn’t be raised. “Putting a cap back in place is one of the things we will do,” he said.

“TAFE is so important for the future of our State, making cuts is not something we would do.”

Mr McGowan also promised to “broaden and diversify the State’s economy” by investing in tourism.

“We perform the worst of all the States in tourism,” he said.

“We need to sell ourselves better interstate and overseas and I think we need to sell the regions.

“Our regions are the point of difference between us and anywhere else in the world because the regions are so beautiful and attractive.”

WA Labor member for the Agricultural Region, Darren West, and candidate for the Agricultural Region, Renee Ellis, also attended the meeting.