Opposition Calls On O'Farrell To Direct $280 Million To Supporting And Creating Jobs
Back to NewsNSW Opposition Leader John Robertson today called on the O\'Farrell Government to redirect the $280 million funding for Regional Relocation Grants to a plan to create and retain 44,000 jobs in agriculture, manufacturing and regional areas over four years.
More than a quarter of a billion dollars would be directed to creating and retaining 44,000 jobs over four years.
The plan would also invest in retraining and redeployment for employees affected by recent job cuts at place like Port Kembla and Tumbarumba.
"Our proposal would direct more than one quarter of a billion dollars to create and retain 44,000 jobs in agriculture, manufacturing and regional areas," Mr Robertson said.
"This would deal with the long term structural changes and costs associated with the resources boom and support growth outside the mining sector.
"This Budget was an opportunity to deliver jobs and job creating programs to boost certainty and confidence in our economy and the O\'Farrell Government has failed to deliver.
"A $7000 handout won\'t last long for a family in regional NSW – but a secure job will pay the bills and the mortgage for the long term.
"The Government\'s own Regional Industries Investment Fund has cut regional development funding by $11 million.
"Our program invests more than one quarter of a billion dollars to directly create and retain jobs in agriculture, manufacturing and regional areas.
"This will not just benefit regional NSW – it will increase business confidence and provide a strong tax base for the future, ensuring Government can provide essential infrastructure and services.
"Creating jobs and improving confidence is what the NSW Budget needed to be about – and this is what the O\'Farrell Government has failed to deliver."