Labor state conference delegates today unanimously supported a motion calling on the Abbott Government to act decisively to provide support and help unemployed Tasmanians find a new job.
The motion called on the Government to immediately reinstate the North West Coast Employment Coordinator and to provide an intensive support package to help unemployed workers find a new job.
These measures were also supported at a meeting in Canberra attended by Labor, the Palmer United Party, the Greens and the Member for Denison.
The Minister for Employment Senator Eric Abetz, the Member for Braddon Brett Whiteley and the rest of the Tasmanian Federal Parliamentary Liberal Party failed to attend this meeting during the last sitting week of Parliament.
Labor believes it is unacceptable no urgent action has been taken by the Abbott Government to assist the 350 people who will lose their job in the wake of the Mount Lyell and Henty mine closures.
The motion also called on the Government to overhaul itsEconomic Growth Plan for Tasmaniaincluding its failing Tasmanian Jobs Programme.
In ten months, the measures have not amounted to any significant job creation or economic development opportunities.
One way the Abbott Government could get jobs flowing across the state is to approve and roll out all of the projects under Labors $100 million Jobs and Growth Plan.
This money is in the Budget and would create around 2500 jobs in the very areas where there are many long-term unemployed Tasmanians.
It is time the Abbott Government and its Tasmanian Liberal representatives stood up for their community.