Member for Eden-Monaro and Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain has been meeting with local chambers, businesses, councils and employees this week to talk all things regional employment ahead of the Government’s Jobs and Skills summit in September.

Skills shortages, housing supply, how to attract people to regional areas and how to upskill locals are just some of the topics that have been explored at these discussions.

“I see every day how staff shortages are affecting our communities,” Ms McBain said.

“Whether it’s hospitality businesses closing their doors early, delays in getting a tradie on work sites, council DA and planning backlogs or difficulties attracting health care workers, our communities are regional struggling with the skilled worker shortages.

“Across Eden-Monaro we have had a difficult three years with multiple natural disasters, COVID-19 and border closures impacting us more so than other areas.

Ms McBain said she would submit a summary of these discussion to be raised at the Jobs and Skills Summit at Parliamant House on September 1-2.

“I want to make sure that the voice of regional Australia and Eden-Monaro is heard loud and clear at this summit,” Ms McBain said.

“Attracting skilled workers away from the city and into our regions is an ongoing challenge and it’s been great to hear from locals about possible solutions, including better access to child care and after school hours care.

“People have also raised the issue of reliable telecommunications and clear pathways for local children to be prepared and appropriately trained for jobs both now and into the future.”

The Jobs and Skills Summit will bring together Australians, including unions, employers, civil society and governments, to address our shared economic challenges.

The goal is to build a bigger, better-trained and more productive workforce; boost incomes and living standards; and create more opportunities for more Australians to get ahead and to reach their aspirations.

The themes and outcomes of the Summit will inform the Employment White Paper, which will help to shape the future of Australia’s labour market. It will be led by Treasury, which will invite submissions and engage the wider community over the next 12 months.

For more information, visit www.treasury.gov.au/employment-whitepaper/jobs-summit