The Gillard Government's
focus on skills, training, and employment participation, as
evidenced by the appointments to the second Gillard Ministry, is
welcomed by the National Employment Services Association, the peak
body for the employment and related services industry.
"Making sure that all
Australians get the opportunities they need to ensure they are
fully engaged in society and work, is a mutual goal of the
Association and the Government, and we warmly welcome the
appointment of Bill Shorten as Minister for Employment and
Workplace Relations," Sally said.
"We are looking forward to
continuing our important work with Minister Kate Ellis as Minister
for Employment Participation and we acknowledge the meaningful
contribution that Minister Mark Arbib made in his previous role as
Minister for Indigenous Employment and Economic Development," Sally
said.
"As an industry focused on
providing opportunity for all Australians through employment and
inclusion, we recognize the critical role of skills in workforce
participation and productivity, so the creation of a new Ministry
to enhance this focus is very welcome," Sally said
"We are looking forward to
continuing our work with Senator Evans as the responsible Minister
for Skills as well as Minister for Tertiary Education, Science and
Research," Sally said.
"Social inclusion is vital
to the well-being of all Australians, as is the work being done to
address needs in the mental health arena. For this reason, we are
pleased that Mark Butler's portfolio responsibilities have expanded
to include Ministerial responsibility for social inclusion, and we
congratulate him on his appointment to the Cabinet," Sally
said.
Sally added that the new
Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary
Education, to be led by two Cabinet Ministers, Senator Evans and
Greg Combet, as Minister for Industry and Innovation, will also
strengthen the Government's focus on skills acquisition.
"The appointment of Julie
Collins to the role of Minister for Indigenous Employment and
Economic Development, along with responsibility for Community
Services and Minister for Status of Women, is also a boost to the
employment focus," Sally said.
The appointment of
Minister O'Connor to Human Services is also welcomed, and we look
forward to working closely with him again in his new role.
.........................................................ends..........................................
Media
inquiries:
Veronica McGowan NESA 0415 280 917
Links:
www.nesa.com.au
Issued
13/12/11