This is a report on the responses of 82 employers in Campbelltown, Fairfield, Narellan, Camden and Smeaton Grange, to a 2013-2014 survey designed to gather employers’ views of their skilled labour needs, in order to remain competitive and grow through innovation. Overall recommendation A lighthouse Regional Manufacturing Innovation and Workforce Development Partnership be piloted, to...

Largely overlooked in the federal budget was a measure that will push more people into the black economy SOMETIMES you wonder how an idea came about. A barney is already brewing over the working holiday visa program, and it could get a lot worse. A Senate inquiry is looking at temporary visas; Four Corners has...

This qualitative study from the Brotherhood of St Laurence illustrates the challenges faced by jobseekers navigating today’s labour market. Drawing on insights from service users in four focus groups with 39 clients from the Carlton, Moe and Shepparton, the report outlines the contrasting approaches taken by Australia’s mainstream employment services and the five Victorian Work...

While the NSW economy is currently in a relatively strong headline position, largely off the back of the housing market, other areas of the State economy will need to perform over the longer run if economic growth and improved labour market outcomes are to be sustained once the housing sector slows. Overview The NSW economy...

While technology and innovation are transforming Australia's economy, they are also the solution to the country's workforce and growth challenge, argues this report. Overview After a sustained period of economic prosperity, Australia is facing some tough challenges. Slowing growth, declining real wages, falling productivity and end of the mining boom to name a few. Businesses...