Working hard to create jobs
Letter submitted to the NewsMail on June 23, 2014:
Dear Editor,
Nothing could be further from the truth than Sam Williamsonâs claim (NM 23/6/14) that the state and federal governments have done âbugger allâ to address unemployment.
In the final year of the Howard government, the local unemployment rate was just six per cent. Under the Rudd-Gillard-Rudd governments the unemployment rate in the Federal electorate of Hinkler increased to 9.6 per cent.
Since being elected less than a year ago, the Coalition has reinstated Work for the Dole. I fought hard to ensure two of the 18 communities selected for the first phase are in the Hinkler electorate. Weâre providing loans of up to $20,000 to help apprentices complete their trade. And weâve introduced a scholarship scheme for university students from low socio economic backgrounds and regional communities.
Long term unemployed young people will be eligible for job commitment bonuses when they have held down a job consistently for 12 months and two years. Thereâs also funding available to cover the costs associated with relocating to take up a job. Weâve introduced financial incentives for business too, when they hire a job seeker over the age of 50 who has been unemployed for at least six months.
Iâm proud to be part of a team that recognises that Governments donât create jobs â businesses do! Thatâs why weâre making it easier, not harder to do business in Australia. Weâre cutting red and green tape to save businesses time and money. Weâre providing support for businesses that want to start exporting their products to the world. Weâre reviewing competition laws and working to conclude free trade agreements with our major trading partners. And weâre repealing the Carbon Tax! And, just last month, I hosted a forum for local businesses in Bundaberg with Federal Minister for Small Business Bruce Billson.
Weâre giving business the confidence and stability they need to invest and employ! Labor gave us two Prime Ministers, two Treasurers, five assistant treasurers, and six small business ministers.
Keith Pitt MP
Federal Member for Hinkler.