Labor promise to deliver to the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The State Opposition have today called out the Berejiklian Government accusing it of failing to support the Hunter region in the State Budget.

Labor doesn't believe the region is getting its fair share from the government considering the huge amount it gives to the state as a region through tourism, economy, produce and products.

Among the projects, the opposition says we've been failed on are the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange, the new Maitland Hospital and the Newcastle Art Gallery expansion project. Labor says the projects were either explicitly excluded from the budget or received only token funding.

To make up for it, Labor have promised long-awaited Hunter projects like these, will be fully funded from a Regional Infrastructure Fund if Labor wins government in 2019. Labor Leader Luke Foley says the funds would come from the sale of the Snowy Hydro Scheme putting 100 per cent of the $4-5 billion sale to regional NSW.

"100 per cent of those funds will go to regional NSW, regional cities like here in the Newcastle area and the broader Hunter region. That means places like the Illawarra, the Hunter, the Central Coast, will be separated from the CBD and Sydney and we will be able to have our own regional funds," said Shadow Treasurer Ryan Park.

He adds,

"I've got to be honest with you, I'm a bit sick of hearing about it because I think it should've been resolved a long time ago. I think governments of all persuasions have let the community down and what I want to make sure we do going forward as the shadow treasurer is getting this issue off the table, get this issue sorted, and get this issue delivered for out community."

Shadow Treasurer Ryan Park Image lithgowmercury.com.au

Plan to boost apprenticeship numbers in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Shadow Minister for Skills Prue Car was joined by Shadow Treasurer Ryan Park today to announce the Labor Party's policy for apprenticeships in the Hunter.

The policy will see every construction project, such as Newcastle's light rail project, require 15 per cent of workers to be local apprentices.

Minister Car believes apprenticeships are in "free fall" under this government and that this new policy will see apprenticeship numbers jump right back.

"Employers are looking for apprentices and our young people are needing ways to get their feet onto the skills ladder and this will create opportunities right here in the Hunter for local apprentices, local young apprentices to get that start in the job market,"

"The jobs of tomorrow are definitely changing but one thing we do know is that youth unemployment is a growing problem and the stupidest thing to be doing is to make training less accessible for young people which is what this government is doing. Labor's plan will make TAFE more affordable and accessible and give our predecessors a start through infrastructure projects," said Minister Car.