Minister Barr: Over 150 new jobs available for Canberrans out of work
- Written by ACT Government
Released 20/04/2020
The ACT Government has created 150 new jobs in the ACT public service for Canberrans whose income has been significantly affected by COVID-19.
Responding to the spread of COVID-19 is one of the greatest challenges our city has ever faced. Measures taken by Canberrans have flattened the curve and slowed the spread of the virus in our community.
As the Government increases capacity in our health system, we need to keep our city going. To do this, we need to work together to create job opportunities for those that need it, and support local businesses through this difficult time.
The $20 million ‘Jobs for Canberrans’ fund will provide secure, short-term employment opportunities with the ACT Public Service from now until June 2021.
This is just the start of the job opportunities. As the pandemic evolves, the Government will continue to explore further job opportunities across our public service to support Canberra families.
Canberrans will be able to register and apply online for a variety of temporary short-term roles in a range of areas such as maintenance, cleaning, administration, customer service, public transport and logistics.
All roles will have minimum prerequisites and can be undertaken in a manner that is compliant with public health directions. Some of the area of recruitment include;
- Access Canberra customer service
- City cleaning
- Garden and tree maintenance
- Environmental recovery following bushfires
- Administrative support
We have already seen success in placing Canberrans stood down by their employers as a result of COVID-19. Today Transport Canberra Buses welcomed 30 people stood down from their usual roles within the wider transport industry to fill newly positions. They will play an important role in helping the ACT Government provide public transport services in a safe way, including delivering the increased cleaning services implemented on Canberra’s bus fleet. The workers have been employed on temporary, casual contracts for an initial period of six months.
The ACT Government will work with businesses, employee representatives and community services organisations to target to those people who are most in need. As part of the fund, directorates will also be seeking to upskill workers engaged using internal programs, partnering with the Canberra Institute of Technology. This will include a mix of both accredited and non-accredited training.
Those seeking short term/casual employment are encouraged to check their eligibility for this fund and register their interest via the Casual Jobs Register.
For more details on the Jobs for Canberrans fund, including eligibility, please visit here.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
