❓ The WA parliamentary question addresses concerns about overseas workers being prioritised over local job seekers in the resource sector. The Minister responds by highlighting government training initiatives and industry engagement to address workforce shortages.
AnsweredQoN 5360Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the many statements made by the Minister and the Premier of this Government's plan to bring workers from overseas. As these statements immediately prompt a spate of media reports in print, radio and electronic media from Western Australians, both skilled and unskilled, who are continually seeking work in the resource sector, but are unsuccessful, I ask -
(1) What, if anything, has the Minister done to assist these workers to obtain work in this industry?
(2) Has the Minister made any approach to the resource industry to ascertain why so many Western Australians keep reporting that they are available to work but are never given the opportunity of gaining a position with this sector?
(3) If no to (2), why not?
(1) What, if anything, has the Minister done to assist these workers to obtain work in this industry?
(2) Has the Minister made any approach to the resource industry to ascertain why so many Western Australians keep reporting that they are available to work but are never given the opportunity of gaining a position with this sector?
(3) If no to (2), why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
2 May 2012
Responded by
Minister for Training and Workforce Development
Response time
36 days
(1) The Government's first priority is to continue its focus on providing record levels of funded training places to ensure Western Australians have maximum opportunity to participate in the workforce. This includes places for occupations relating to the resources and construction sectors.
My Department of Training and Workforce Development is also providing career and job advice through its Career Centre and network of workforce development centres.
Notwithstanding this, current forecasts indicate that as the pipeline of major resources and infrastructure projects come on line over the next few years, the State's employers will face a potential labour shortfall of some 76,000 workers by 2015.
This will necessitate targeted migration where jobs cannot be filled locally.
(2) I am in regular communication with a number of peak industry bodies and employers representing the resources industry in Western Australia. These include the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association and the Resources Industry Training Council.
Our discussions relate to training and workforce development issues, including employment within the resources sector.
I have recently called on resource companies operating in Western Australia to increase their take-up of apprentices. This is important in ensuring that the State grows its local workforce and that Western Australians benefit from the predicted economic expansion being driven by the resources sector.
(3) Not applicable
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My Department of Training and Workforce Development is also providing career and job advice through its Career Centre and network of workforce development centres.
Notwithstanding this, current forecasts indicate that as the pipeline of major resources and infrastructure projects come on line over the next few years, the State's employers will face a potential labour shortfall of some 76,000 workers by 2015.
This will necessitate targeted migration where jobs cannot be filled locally.
(2) I am in regular communication with a number of peak industry bodies and employers representing the resources industry in Western Australia. These include the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association and the Resources Industry Training Council.
Our discussions relate to training and workforce development issues, including employment within the resources sector.
I have recently called on resource companies operating in Western Australia to increase their take-up of apprentices. This is important in ensuring that the State grows its local workforce and that Western Australians benefit from the predicted economic expansion being driven by the resources sector.
(3) Not applicable
Notice: This document is created or edited using unregistered or evaluation copy of rtLib valid for testing or development purposes only. To use it for productive or any other purposes please register it. You may purchase the license on
http://www.rtlib.com
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