Minister Barr: More jobs for Canberrans as Fund extended
- Written by ACT Government
Released 09/06/2020
A further 100 Canberrans will gain employment with the ACT Public Service following another expansion of the Jobs for Canberrans Fund.
As part of Canberra's Recovery Plan to support local jobs, the fund will be expanded to $28 million, supporting almost 500 Canberra families and households.
These jobs are targeted at Canberrans who lost their job due to COVID-19 and are ineligible for the Commonwealth's Jobkeeper program, including people who previously relied on casual employment, international visa holders and international students.
By supporting more Canberrans through employment, we are providing a direct cash support to struggling households who are also able to make a significant contribution to our community. This will lead to more money being spent in our local economy, helping to drive the economic recovery due to the impact of COVID-19.Canberra's Recovery Plan will ensure that no Canberran is left behind as we work to support local families and businesses.
The ACT Government has a strong track record of creating jobs and supporting a growing local economy. Our Recovery Plan will draw upon this experience, ensuring our city gets through the greatest challenge we have ever faced.
So far Canberrans have been employed to undertake a wide range of important duties including cleaning our schools, maintaining our public places and restoring our bushfire damaged regions. Access Canberra also welcomed 17 new team members. They are supporting our Canberra community by answering calls in the Contact Centre, including on the COVID-19 Helpline, supporting Service Centres, as well as processing transactions.
More than 10,000 calls have been answered through the COVID-19 Helpline since it was established in April and in May a total of 70,000 calls were managed through the main call line of 13 22 21 as well as the COVID-19 Helpline.
New roles under the Fund will be finalised over coming weeks and made available online via the Casual Jobs Register.
For more information on the fund, eligibility and how to apply, please visit the COVID-19 website.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
