Senator the Hon Mark Arbib
Minister for Employment Participation
15 December, 2009
Media release
Rudd Government supports jobs in Western NSW
The Rudd Government is supporting jobs in the Far West through the $42 billion Nation Building economic stimulus plan, Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Government Service Delivery Mark Arbib said today.
During a visit to the region Senator Arbib viewed the start of $2.5 million worth of work at Morgan Street Public School in Broken Hill where managing contractor Laing O’Rourke is overseeing today’s pouring of the slab for the school’s new hall.
“This is one of hundreds of local school projects right across the region which are both providing jobs for local people and giving schools and students improved facilities,” Senator Arbib said.
Senator Arbib said the Government’s stimulus plan is investing almost $580 million in more than 3000 school, housing, community infrastructure and other projects in the Western region of NSW, covering the Farrer, Calare and Parkes electorates.
“The Rudd Government is supporting the jobs of today and building the infrastructure the people of Western NSW need for tomorrow,” Senator Arbib said.
“These projects are also providing an important boost to training for workers.
“Laing O’Rourke reports that latest figures show more than 230 workers were employed in delivering the Building the Education Revolution Primary Schools for the 21st Century Projects in the Western NSW Region during November – and around 10 per cent were apprentices or trainees.
“Another 10 per cent of the BER P21 workers in the Western NSW Region are Indigenous, with that figure expected to rise as further projects roll out during 2010.
“The stimulus is the providing vital support to businesses and to Australian jobs at a time when we still face significant economic challenges.”