Time for a National Conference on Employment: SansGov Director reacts to the latest fall in the Australian Government’s leading employment indicator 

The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (The Australian Government) latest monthly leading indicator for employment has fallen for the twelfth consecutive month in January with New South Wales showing the largest drop in skilled vacancies by 10.4%. In addition, of the 18 professions monitored by DEEWR, 17 had shown a fall  while trade vacancies declined by a further 10%.  

Matthew Tukaki, Director of Government Policy and Strategy at SansGov, said that while the unemployment rate had remained relatively stable within a few points of a percentage, the continued decline in skilled vacancies could point to a further increase in unemployment in the months to come as companies continued to restructure in reaction to the global economic environment: 

“The main concern should be in NSW where there is a 10.4% decrease in skilled vacancies. As NSW is the largest employment market in the country it stands to reason that a significant focus should be on jobs growth particularly in support of new industries, infrastructure programs and continued business development. This means the Federal and State Governments, aligned with the business community, need to develop a plan that isn’t just focused on the short term problem, but what employment and economic growth can come off the back of new industries such as those who are in the business of green technologies”. Matthew Tukaki said.  

“In addition we need to find ways of insulating ourselves from any additional falls in growth in the economies of our largest export partners such as Japan, China and South Korea. Should Chinese growth fall below the 6% mark that may lead to a further decrease in demand for our commodities and resources which in turn could mean further job losses in the mining and resources sector. While 1800 people were laid off from BHP and the Ravensthorpe mine last week, many more hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs could be at risk for those small businesses that supplied the mine. For example, the chartered airline who flies the workforce in and out, the corner shop who relies on local residents for income, the stationary supplier and printer right through to contracted tradesmen, cleaners and medical staff.” Mr Tukaki said 

“We need to look at those industries that are still in demand and grow them further and seek to support the rise of new industries such as green technologies and biotech. There is still demand for agriculture and horticulture, sustainable fisheries and the medical sector”. Mr Tukaki said 

“what is really required here is a national jobs conference that involves Government, business and industry, community groups and the employment services / recruitment sector. If Australia is going to keep its head above the recession waterline then we need to plan this out as a group, not individual sectors”. Mr Tukaki said  

§  For comment: Matthew Tukaki 0449 703 118

§  Email: matthew.tukaki@sansgov.com

§  About SansGov: www.sansgov.com

§  For a copy of the DEEWR report for 2009: http://skillsinfo.gov.au/skills/SkillsIssues/VacancyReport.htm