Ellis pledge to help jobless

Employment Participation Minister Kate Ellis has insisted the Federal Government is committed to addressing the high unemployment rate for young people in Rockingham and Mandurah.

Speaking at a breakfast forum in Mandurah on Tuesday, Ms Ellis said the Government was committed to helping young people find jobs and reduce the high level of youth unemployment in the area.

Figures by the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal Rockingham and Mandurah’s youth unemployment rate at 24.1 per cent for the three months to June, 35 per cent higher than the State average.

‘‘The Federal Government will stand shoulder to shoulder with the business community to turn those figures around,’’ Ms Ellis said.

Brand MHR Gary Gray said the forum was an opportunity for young jobseekers and employers to come together and share ideas on how to help unemployed youth enter the workforce.

‘‘What the panel discussions revealed was that young people who are motivated, flexible and have made themselves job-ready are the ones likely to catch the eye of employers,’’ he said.

‘‘At the same time, there is no denying that the competition for jobs is fierce, and that many young people will have to deal with rejection before they succeed.’’

During her visit to Brand, Ms Ellis also visited Goodstart Early Learning centre Rockingham in her capacity as Minister for Early Childhood and Childcare.