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

[freakiness]

As to manufacturing, I think we need to look at future trends rather than old.

In Tassie everyone seems to be fighting to return to the past in terms of employment when really we should look at new industry as well.

[*crikey*mate*]

As to manufacturing, I think we need to look at future trends rather than old.

In Tassie everyone seems to be fighting to return to the past in terms of employment when really we should look at new industry as well.

Just generally speaking - and I know nothing about Tassy in terms of manufacturing (except someone sooooo needs to mass produce those cherry pies I had down there when I went to visit)

But I agree with you.

A few things we were told at uni

: There are new jobs (ie ones that haven't even been invented yet) evolving every day.

: Many of the jobs that are around today are being superseded and made obsolete just as fast because of the speed at which new technologies are advancing.

I guess the trick is though, is knowing which industries will become obselete and somehow learning to predict which new ones may be created.

From my position - I'm thinking a person needs to be completely vigilant and looking for new opportunities as they present themselves - and those that are prepared to grasp those opportunities, may either get in on the ground floor and reap the capitalist rewards - or at least have/develop the skills to ride on the shirt tails of those who do grasp the opportunities.

I had to laugh at something I read about Bill Gates recently - it went something like - there was some kid in class who always beat him and he went on to become a high payed/placed employee in Microsoft - Bill 's response was - I realized an opportunity and I developed and now own the company.... - was something like that, anyway....

[i-need-a-martini]

We were discussing those who think it's okay for their children to use YA as their pocket money. That is not what it's for.

What's it matter if money you give to your children comes via a parent or direct to the kids? Either way the kids are going to get it anyway?

I don't even know why you are arguing this ridiculous point.

Firstly this benefit is heavily means tested so we can assume that if the kid gets it, then the kid needs it.

Secondly, what is the point of talking about how these kids should get jobs rather than sit there and wait for a handout. This money is given to SCHOOL kids in order to help families out. School kids go to school, not work.

[debra9275]

I found this about ABSTUDY - it's obviously a service they supply to others as well

"Question information •

continued

Tax details

Question 36: How to get a tax file number (TFN)

There is a special tax file number application/enquiry form for an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

You can get this form from one of our Service Centres or the Australian Taxation Office.

To get a TFN you will have to provide proof of identity.

You can find out what you need from us or the Australian Taxation Office.".

No way  do Centrelink issue TFN's, but they would have the application forms and advise kids how to fill them out before sending the applications to the TO. Many kids apply for their TFN when they do work experience which is part of the school curriculum here

[*crikey*mate*]

I thought that was a characiture of her nose LOL

*looks embarrassed*

[lightningdance]

Another "announcement" re badged as a new policy. Another cruel hoax perpetrated on the  voters.

Every business leader & economic expert are again flabbergasted at her mendaciousness.

Hollow policies, the NSW disease here for all to see. The hollow woman gutted by her own failures, propped up by Howes & the unions. Well why not, she's their creature, they put her there.

Will they dump her or march steadfastly over the cliff behind her.

Internal polling has Labor at 23% in Western Sydney. The back benches are panicked, despondent & helpless, backgrounding journalists minute by minute.

Will cranky Bill Shorten make a move, or will he stay his hand & wait his turn at opp leadership after the election.

Who wants to drink from the poisoned chalice?,  Rudd?, backbenchers are openly saying to journalists, he's insane.

[izabsmiling]

he's insane.

Is he lightningdance ? What does he do and what's the diagnosis ? One of the questions in a psych assessment is do you talk to yourself ? Does he do that do you think ?

[lightningdance]

he's insane.

Is he lightningdance ? What does he do and what's the diagnosis ? One of the questions in a psych assessment is do you talk to yourself ? Does he do that do you think ?

.

How much Kool Aid have you drunk? you're always so quick off the mark to defend anything Labor.

I am referring to a phone call from a Labor MP to a journalist, who said that Rudd is insane, not my words sherlock, but you knew that didn't you.

A transparent ploy you use time & again.

You must have me on google alert, no sooner I post something & here you are :^O

[poddster]

Dont take it personally LD.

It's the red cordial that is to blame. Oh and the confusion, must not forget the befuddlement 🙂

[icyfroth]

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

"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"

You mean that's not already law? 😮