Julia Gillard unveils $1 billion jobs creation plan

[not_an_eloi]

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has made a pitch to blue-collar workers, unveiling details of the Government's new $1 billion jobs package.

The legislation is designed to improve the benefits Australian companies see from large-scale projects undertaken in the country. Ms Gillard says concerns have been raised that major projects undertaken by multi-nationals tend to lean towards using international suppliers and importing material and equipment.

Under the plan, large companies will be required by law to give local firms the opportunity to bid for contracts before they are sent offshore. "When there are projects worth more than $500 million, they will need to have an Australian industry participation plan," Ms Gillard told a press conference in Melbourne. "They will need to look to how they can involve Australian businesses and create Australian jobs in what they do." Ms Gillard says the plan is designed to keep the local manufacturing industry competitive despite the high Australian dollar and other economic pressures. "I believe that modern Australia can have a great blue-collar future," she said. "We can continue to be a manufacturing nation, we can be a nation in which people make their living through blue-collar jobs that aren't intermittent or insecure or low paid, blue-collar jobs that are highly skilled and highly paid. "But we aren't going to get there by accident. We have to make sure that we shape that future."

A series of new manufacturing precincts will also be established to develop new products and skills to break into new markets. Industry and Innovation Minister Greg Combet says the precincts are a key part of the plan. "A lot of our research effort in Australia is pure research and a lot of great research has been done," he said. "But we don't perform well by international comparisons in commercialising the research effort that we make in this country. "And I think one solution to that is to get industry far more active in directing the research effort we have." The Government predicts the plan will inject $1.6 billion into the economy. Ms Gillard says the plan will be funded by removing a tax concession for big businesses. "Bigger businesses currently benefiting for a special research and development tax advantage will be forgoing that advantage," she said. The national secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, Paul Bastian, says the jobs package largely reflects what it has been campaigning for. "We're now going to have in legislation that any project worth more than $500 million in this country will be required to have an Australian industry participation plan to show how those projects are giving our manufacturers the opportunity to bid on a fair and reasonable basis for work," he said. "That is a big tick for us."

followed by the usual negative fud from liberal's mirabella

[nevynreally]

It can be paid into the parent's account too I believe ..though I think some 16 year olds (and their parents) see it as 'the teens  'own private spending money' .

That's something about the Youth Allowance I've always had a bit of a problem with. It's supposed to help the kids stay in education, isn't it? I've known a few kids over the years who have had it to use as per pocket money. Which indicates to me that the family didn't really need the government help.

[izabsmiling]

Nevyn, I think that some parents may not realise that that is not what it is about  (i think they need to specially request the payment or part of it go into their account ?)...they (the parents) may very well need it.

I do think it is given to children on parents on pretty reasonable incomes though.

[nevynreally]

I have actually known of kids who have it deposited into their accounts to do with what ever they like.. 

And it used to be that the parents had to sign the forms, as well as fill it out. Indicating where the youth allowance is deposited.

It should be for the parents. To help with the education/housing/feeding. Unless the child isn't living at home. If they don't need it (letting it used as pocket money) they shouldn't get it, IMO.

[*crikey*mate*]

It could be looked at from different angles Crikey,

It could send a message to parents that they are responsible for the expenses of their dependents

and help children of low income earners to stay in education if they so choose.

If creating jobs is an issue ...there may not be 'paying' part time jobs around for the youth of today that there once was.

I was referring to this part of your post (which I bolded)

"..though I think some 16 year olds (and their parents) see it as 'the teens  'own private spending money' ."

but isn't it a given that if you have a child, you are responsible for their expenses? How many people need a reminder of that???

How does it help the parents if the kids are given the money? Mine eat more now than they did last year - so it actually costs me more to keep them. Add to that 2 of them have joined the gym and between their new nutrition plans and all the darned supplements ($90 for a jar of whey protein?? and $47.50 for a jar of Omega 3?? - i reckon I'm now paying enough to feed a small nation!

And I know others will disagree - but there are always paying part time jobs around for kids (with the exception of illness and disability etc) they just have to learn not to be so fussy.

My little fella used to work part time in a butcher job - but they closed down - so he took the next job he could find which was shovelling horse manure at the local race track - he hated it - but it got him through until he found work in a fish and chip shop. Nope - it's not his dream job either - but he likes the pay cheque well enough to keep turning up.

Big fella hated the butcher shop and then the job as a shop assistant in a ladies shoe shop - so now he's set up his own tutoring business

other kids mow people's lawns, wash cars, give computer lessons, walk dogs, baby sit, work at supermarkets, fast food outlets, deliver newspapers - a kid's employability is limited only by their imagination and willingness to work.

[*crikey*mate*]

So how did your son go with the paperwork ? Did you need to fill in that Mod form on your income and assets and get property valuations ?

Me?

What paperwork?

[nevynreally]

I think you're both on the same page but just not realising it.

[*crikey*mate*]

It could be looked at from different angles Crikey,

It could send a message to parents that they are responsible for the expenses of their dependents

and help children of low income earners to stay in education if they so choose.

If creating jobs is an issue ...there may not be 'paying' part time jobs around for the youth of today that there once was.

and if anything - its cheaper to stay in education after school! If the kid doesn't get a scholarship - they can get fee help and defer their uni fees until they do get a job -

[*crikey*mate*]

That's something about the Youth Allowance I've always had a bit of a problem with. It's supposed to help the kids stay in education, isn't it? I've known a few kids over the years who have had it to use as per pocket money. Which indicates to me that the family didn't really need the government help.

It's what it is sounding like to me too...

How much "pocket money" do these kids actually get?

[izabsmiling]

I actually think I agree with what you are saying - I believe that the gov creates a cycle where people are dependent on them.

One of my kids recently went into Centrelink to apply for Youth Allowance? (I think that's what it was) CRIKEY! The stuff they wanted to know - (which I suppose is a good thing) - just reeked of a way for them to get control of our lives and get us into a cycle of welfare dependence - I told him to run for the hills and generate his own money another way.

 It is there to help people who need it a bit of help .If you,your family and/or your son don't need it .Then you don't need to feel controlled by it or be dependent on it.

[izabsmiling]

Crikey Mate, If your son got the info for Youth Allowance the answers to the questions you are asking me will be there ?