Prime minister Julia Gillard has announced plans to boost the manufacturing industry and create hundreds of jobs.
She pitched the government’s new $1 billion jobs package to blue collar workers on Sunday (February 17th).
The legislation will improve the benefits Australian companies see from the projects they undertake in the country, and force large companies to give local firms the opportunity to bid for contracts before overseas contractors are sought.
"It's about making sure that we win more of the work available here in Australia; it's about supporting our businesses so they can seize more of the work in our region of the world, more export, more opportunities and consequently more jobs; and it's about supporting small businesses to grow,” she explained.
The government expects the plans to inject $1.6 billion into the economy, and provide the opportunity blue-collar roles in the country.
Innovation and industry minister Greg Combet said he expects the plans to lead to a significant increase in jobs.
Posted by Steve Douglas