Media Statements - Young people encouraged to join local government

06/08/05

Encouraging young people into the local government sector is the focus of a State Government ‘careers in local government’ initiative.

Local Government and Regional Development Minister John Bowler said the Australia-wide skills shortage affecting industry sectors, was also having an impact on local government.

“Skills shortage is one of the biggest issues facing local government,” Mr Bowler said.

“What is needed is an industry wide approach to more traineeships and cadetships, as well as on-the-job training, particularly in the engineering and accounting fields, as a mechanism to secure its workforce into the future.

“In addition, sharing of officer expertise across local government could also produce greater efficiencies for local government and alleviate some of the challenges regional local governments have in acquiring employees with particular skills.

“The challenge for the industry is to promote local government much more effectively as a level of government which offers many career options at all levels and capacity.”

Mr Bowler said efforts had been made to raise the profile of local government to young people, through funding 16 Young Indigenous Local Government Scholarships across the State and providing careers information to schools and local governments.

“Now is an excellent time for young people to step forward and seize a career in local government,” he said.

“Through the 144 local governments across the Western Australia, young people have the opportunity to work anywhere in the State and in a variety of disciplines.

“The sector offers young graduates a wide variety of job opportunities, attractive employment conditions, professional development initiatives and a strong sense of satisfaction working closely with the community.”

For further information, please contact the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on 9217 1500 or http://www.dlgrd.wa.gov.au

Minister's office: 9213 6500