State, federal and local government must act to combat Bluescope sackings

For immediate release: August 22, 2011

Today's announcement of 800 job losses at Bluescope Steel's Port Kembla plant requires state, federal and local government to work with the community to help avoid deepening the region's unemployment crisis. Jess Moore, Community Voice candidate for Ward 1 stated:

"This announcement puts the livelihood of many in our community at risk, at a time when unemployment is already far too high.

"The community and all levels of government must work together to develop a people-centred local economic strategy. We need a focus on local job creation to meet social needs, such as investment in public transport, community health and education.

"There is a dire need to change the government's approach from reactive to proactive, and to diversify the local economy and investment."

Adrrianne Talbot-Thomson, Community Voice candidate for Ward 3 added:

"Local government must work with small business and social enterprise ventures.

"We need to create an Office of Sustainability and Economic Development to encourage investment in sustainable jobs.

"We need to strengthen local employment partnerships with resources provided by councils, business, unions, schools, universities and state and federal governments."