Nina Temperton
April 6, 2015
South Burnett CTC will continue to offer Labour Hire services and host Work For The Dole programs despite last week’s announcement that froze out local providers from the Federal Government’s $5.1 billion makeover of unemployment services.
South Burnett CTC CEO Nina Temperton said the Federal Government tender announcement for employment services had “shocked and bewildered” South Burnett CTC Inc’s Board, management and staff.
“We realised from the moment the government announced that the size of regions to be tendered for would be quadrupled, that smaller locally based providers would have to fight an uphill battle,” Mrs Temperton said.
“We did not expect that seven new, mainly statewide or national organisations, many of them for-profit businesses, would totally replace longstanding, experienced and highly regarded local not-for-profits like CTC Employment and ESQ in the South Burnett and Gympie region.
“For CTC, this means the end of federally funded employment services currently provided in the South Burnett and Gympie region from sites in Kingaroy, Murgon, Gympie and Tin Can Bay.
“It is not the end of CTC Labour Hire or our ability to host Work for the Dole projects, run The Gumnut Place or be involved in any other labour market programs – in fact, CTC will redouble its efforts in these activities.”
Mrs Temperton repeated that up to June 30, it would be “business as usual” for CTC’s clients who will be transitioning to new providers.
She said CTC would also promote the 30 or so staff who will be made redundant to the new providers.
“CTC has done everything possible to ensure that staff have the highest qualifications, training and skills which together with their local connections should make any new provider want to snap them up,” she said.
“The local economy is already suffering. It cannot afford further job losses.
“As it is, the flow-on effect to local suppliers, TAFE, driving schools etc will be considerable as it is suspected that the new providers will have to rely heavily on their head offices elsewhere to make their small market shares viable.
“Although this is a serious blow, South Burnett CTC will certainly continue to provide all its other services in the South Burnett and will retain about 160 employees.
“Our vision and mission is to make sure that all people in our area have access to the services they need to live meaningful and productive lives to the best of their capacity.
“While employment is clearly a vital element in most people’s lives, many need help in overcoming barriers to work and full participation in society.
“CTC will continue to provide such assistance and do its best to help our region to prosper as we have done since 1983.”
- Related article: Locals Miss Out On Job Contracts
