Morrison Government puts new Employment Facilitator on the ground to help drive local jobs across Greater Western Sydney region

The Morrison Government has announced a new Employment Facilitator that will support employers and job seekers connect with employment and training opportunities in Sydney’s Greater West region.

The appointment is one of 51 across the country as part of the Morrison Government’s $276 million Local Jobs Program. The Local Jobs Program aims to increase the capacity of the workforces at the regional level by driving local solutions to local challenges including through supporting training and upskilling opportunities. 

From 28 July 2021, Jamie Petschy will provide a local on-the-ground presence working with local businesses, training providers and job seekers to identify labour market challenges in Western Sydney and improve employment opportunities for the local community.

Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert, said the appointment of Employment Facilitators through the Local Jobs Program, is a key part of the Morrison Government’s Economic Plan and this new appointment works alongside immediate financial supports available to businesses and individuals across Greater Western Sydney. 

‘Western Sydney is facing a difficult time right now, it is the powerhouse of Australia’s national economy so this appointment is particularly important. This appointment will put federal resources into Western Sydney and will ensure as the community comes through this difficult period there are dedicated resources to help coordinate local job creation efforts and help with a skills-led economic recovery as we fight COVID-19,’ Minister Robert said. 

Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services, Luke Howarth said the appointment would help local young job seekers who have faced disruption over recent months. 

‘While it is vital we support businesses and individuals today during this difficult period it is also important we help connect, train and skill tomorrow’s workers, Employment Facilitators are one of the ways the Morrison Government is doing just that.’

Liberal Senator for Western Sydney, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, said the Morrison Government is focused on supporting Western Sydney as it fights COVID-19. 

‘The high level of investment that is occurring in our region from government and industry, centered around precincts in Westmead, Parramatta, Badgerys Creek and Penrith, will generate job opportunities for decades to come. As we fight through this difficult period it is important we get more locals to take up training and jobs in construction, advanced manufacturing, scientific and technical services, including in aged and disability care,’ Senator Payne said. 

‘Our Local Jobs Program is putting in place supports that will see our local economy come back once we push through this difficult period in Western Sydney. The Program is responding to the future needs of our local economy by working with stakeholders to develop tailored projects which engage critical cohorts, such as young people and workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and connect them to the many learning and employment opportunities that exist in Western Sydney.’

Federal Member for Lindsay Melissa McIntosh said the Morrison Government will continue to support Western Sydney’s workforce both through the current difficult period and to secure its future economic success. 

‘Creating more local jobs is the key to fighting back from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. So I’ll work closely with the new Employment Facilitator to make sure we are planning for tomorrow and are helping to drive local jobs, for local people,’ Melissa McIntosh said.

‘It is a difficult period right now but we will get through this together and I know there is a bright future ahead for Western Sydney, whether it is the emerging industries and the Western Sydney Airport or the construction and manufacturing boom, the future of Australia will be built in Western Sydney.

‘I’ll always back the projects that create and sustain more local jobs, and get local businesses leading the way as we fight through the COVID-19 pandemic.’

Jamie has always lived in the region and is passionate about supporting the local community. He brings extensive experience in skilling and employment initiatives across Western Sydney to the role. He is highly skilled in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning and implementing initiatives across different industries including construction, retail, recruitment and personnel.

The Morrison Government has extended the Local Jobs Program to 30 June 2025 and is expanding from 25 Employment Regions to cover all 51 Employment Regions across Australia. This will increase the number of facilitator services on the ground around the country.

More details can be found at: https://www.dese.gov.au/local-jobs-program