The state's peak business organisation, the NSW Business Chamber, says the Government's announcement that it would trial a new model for the jobactive program on the Mid North Coast is very welcome.
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The Mid North Coast has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the country, and that number increases each year with no relief in sight.
"Recently, the ABS indicated that some 25 per cent of young jobseekers in our region were unemployed, so it's entirely appropriate that the Mid North Coast has been selected as one of only two locations across the country to trial a new model for the jobactive program," said NSW Business Chamber Regional Manager, Kellon Beard.
"The Mid North Coast is home to the highest youth unemployment rate in the state and the second highest in the country, so it makes perfect sense to have this pilot in our region.
"The NSW Chamber has made specific recommendations in this area so- it is pleasing that the Government has adopted our recommendations."
Jobactive is designed to connect job seekers with employers; there is a network of jobactive providers in over 1700 locations across Australia, with help from the providers, job seekers can both get and keep a job.
"The new pilot will create online tools to help the job ready self-serve and enable employers to search for and match candidates quickly. This should assist those who can, to help themselves, while those who are more disadvantaged, can get the help and resources they need to get a job," Mr Beard said.
"We have to do everything we can to get that unemployment rate down - it's an absolute disgrace and a terrible tragedy to see those figures, to see so many young lives wasted.
"This is an important announcement that could make a real difference for generations to come."
Jobactive replaced the now redundant Job Services Australia on July 1 2015. To find out more about the jobactive service, or to find a provider close to you, head over to https://jobactive.gov.au/.
