Decision details

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Ellsmore –

It is resolved that:

(A)      Council note:

(i)         the Jobs and Skills Summit was held on 7 September 2022, at Parliament House in Canberra;

(ii)        the summit aimed to address shared economic challenges such as unemployment, skill shortages, job security, expansion of job opportunities and gender equality in pay and opportunities; and

(iii)      the summit resulted in a number of successful initiatives such as:

(a)       a $1 billion one-year National Skills Agreement that will provide additional funding for fee-free TAFE in 2023, while a longer-term agreement that drives sector reform and supports women’s workforce participation is negotiated;

(b)       a one-off income credit so that age pensioners who want to work can earn an additional $4,000 over this financial year without losing any of their pension;

(c)       amending the Fair Work Act to strengthen access to flexible working arrangements, make unpaid parental leave more flexible and strengthen protection for workers against discrimination and harassment; and

(d)       improving access to jobs and training pathways for women, First Nations people, regional Australians and culturally and linguistically diverse people, including equity targets for training places, 1,000 digital apprenticeships in the Australian Public Service, and other measures to reduce barriers to employment; and

(iv)           the City has a Council adopted Workforce Strategy, with statistics reported via annual workforce profiles, noting they do not currently include the number of graduates and apprentices.

(B)      the Lord Mayor be requested to write a letter to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese and the Treasurer, Jim Chalmers to congratulate their efforts and success.

(C)      Council support and follow the aims of local government to employ more apprentices and trainees and maximise their opportunities within the City of Sydney; and.

(D)      the Chief Executive Officer be requested to report biannually on the progress the City has made in this endeavour.

Carried unanimously.

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