By Tate Papworth
Brimbank council wants help to deal with youth unemployment.
The council will request a meeting with the Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade Martin Pakula, and the Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney, to look at ways to get information about jobs and training opportunities in Brimbank to students.
Cr Virginia Tachos, who moved a motion requesting the meetings, said despite Brimbank’s strong economy, youth unemployment is much higher than the greater Melbourne average.
“In hotspots like Albion, Albanvale Derrimut, Kings Park, Deer Park and St Albans East youth unemployment and disengagement is even higher,” she said.
“Unemployed young people in Brimbank often face the barrier of relatively poor infrastructure which affects their proximity and access to jobs.”
Cr Tachos said much is being done to promote employment, but more help is needed.
“Council is currently advocating that the airport rail link with a stop in Sunshine will deliver significant economic benefits to Brimbank and generate employment opportunities during the construction phase,” she said.
“Brimbank learning futures, which is due to open in 2019 … will support young people who are experiencing additional barriers to pathways to learning, education training and employment.
“The department of education and training has provided operational funding until 2020 [but] a long-term approach is needed to bring about change.
“Advocacy to federal and state governments for more equable public education funding is so important to Brimbank.”
