16,000 jobs were added in January and 403,000 jobs for the year. We have now had 16 consecutive months of jobs growth - the longest run ever recorded.
Since the Government was elected in September 2013, 971,500 jobs have been created, an increase of 8.5 per cent. And total employment is at record highs.
Our economic policies are driving confidence and investment. Businesses are creating more jobs as a result and will grow wages over time. Of course, we also know that more must be done, particularly here on the Central Coast.
One of the integral local drivers is the 600 new jobs being delivered for Gosford in the new ATO building, which is shaping up to be a major catalyst in the revitalisation of our region.
The NSW Chief Planner told the Express Advocate recently that the ATO building has become a “statement of confidence in the CBD” which could “permeate across the broader area.”
He said: “Gosford has the potential to be a regional city that’s going to be talked about and admired elsewhere around Australia.”
This is a future we all aspire to – more jobs, higher wages, and a city of which we can be proud.
Selfless advocates at The Glen
ONE of the first speeches I have the privilege of delivering in a Parliamentary year is the response to the latest Closing the Gap Report.
While I see determination, strength and resolve to work closely with Indigenous Australians, Governments and organisations, it’s particularly extraordinary to share an insight into how much the Central Coast cares about this issue.
This year, we heard of the incredible commitment demonstrated daily by the selfless advocates at The Glen.
The Glen is the largest Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol residential rehabilitation centre in New South Wales. It's based at Chittaway Point and it's assisting our Indigenous community right across the Central Coast and beyond.
Under the leadership of CEO Joseph Coyte, The Glen is a great example of how Closing the Gap is more than just a piece of paper, it's more than just a symbol and it's more than just a process.
At The Glen, opportunity is more than a mission statement. It's a life-changing shift that can save lives and open doors to a brighter future.
But to deliver that opportunity we first need the framework that's enabled by initiatives like the Indigenous Procurement Policy, or IPP.
Joe has told me that The Glen has responded to the IPP by starting numerous social enterprises, including setting up a separate company to make profits that help fund the running of the rehabilitation program.
Joe said: “This is a space that we have strategically identified as a possible avenue for us to help create employment opportunities for Indigenous people.”
Joe also told me that the IPP will allow The Glen to become self-reliant, moving away from a reliance on Government funding and, thus, allowing them to drive the future direction of the organisation. It's a practical example of what is being achieved.
The IPP target was achieved three years ahead of schedule and has now eclipsed $1 billion in contracts to Indigenous business since it was launched 2½ years ago, up from just $6.2 million in 2012-13.
The success of the IPP – and stories like Joe and The Glen – shows what we can achieve together when we set targets for which we have responsibility.
Lucy Wicks is Federal Member for Robertson.
