Keith Pitt (Hinkler, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Minister Hartsuyker: as you know, my electorate has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. The unemployment rate for Hinkler is 10 per cent, and for the broader wide Bay region it is 13½ per cent. The youth unemployment rate among 15- to 24-year-olds in my region is 20.6 per cent. Unlike those on the other side, I recognise that it is businesses that create jobs, not governments. The businesses that I speak to all say they are willing to train people but are concerned that not enough of the job seekers they meet are work ready. They do not have the required soft skills, like turning up on time and dressing appropriately. On the other side of the coin, job seekers say they struggle to get a foot in the door to get some much-needed experience in the workplace. As I am sure you are aware, Mr Hartsuyker, we have had great success with the Work for the Dole program—some fantastic success with that program.

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