Premier commits to low unemployment in Plan4Jobs Package

17/12/04 Premier Geoff Gallop today announced a $62million plan to keep Western Australia's unemployment rate low.

17/12/04
Premier Geoff Gallop today announced a $62million plan to keep Western Australia's unemployment rate low.
Dr Gallop said the State's strong financial position meant the Government could invest in new strategies to develop industry and address WA's shortage of skilled labour.
The Government was determined to ensure low unemployment became a permanent fixture of the WA economy.
"The Gallop Government has created an environment where there is work for everyone who wants it," the Premier said.
"Colin Barnett and the Liberal party left us with a shrinking economy. Since coming to office, we have created more than 80,000 jobs, slashing the unemployment rate to 4.3 per cent and giving hope to our young people by almost halving youth unemployment.
"The plan that I have announced today outlines my commitment to keep unemployment low and deliver jobs and opportunities for all Western Australians into the future."
Dr Gallop said the Plan4Jobs Package included a broad range of initiatives, in three key areas:
Faster Approvals:

  • $40million over four years for a development fund to assist in Native Title settlements and build upon the Government's record in resolving Native Title claims and fast-track major projects;
  • $13.2million over four years to fast-track approvals for major projects; and
  • $1million to fund planning initiatives to increase industry activity and decrease the pressure on land prices.
Industry Development:
  • $2.5million to further establish high-wide load corridors, assisting our manufacturing industry; and
  • $3.8million to market WA education providers to international markets, including Europe, Africa, India, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea.
Skills Development:
  • $1.1million in SkillingWA grants to provide 1,300 places in short training courses to up skill metal tradespersons, electricians and other key workers;
  • the establishment of a new career development centre in Perth; and
  • $1.5million over three years to establish a skilled migration unit to attract skilled migrants to WA.
The Premier said the Plan4Jobs Package built upon other major initiatives announced since the 2004-05 Budget aimed at creating jobs, which had included:
  • $1billion over four years in tax relief, including cutting payroll tax from six per cent to 5.5 per cent from January 1;
  • a $65million commitment to develop a world-class defence shipbuilding hub at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson should WA be successful in amphibious vessel contract;
  • $13million to build a new oil and gas centre for excellence at the AMC;
  • securing another seven Emirates flights weekly between Perth and the key Middle East market of Dubai; and
  • an extra $1million to Tourism WA to attract more international conventions and business events.
Dr Gallop said Ministers would announce further details of initiatives in the Plan4Jobs Package over the coming week.
Premier's office: 9222 9475