No. 5

BUILDING ON SUCCESS OF THE LIVE IN CANBERRA PROGRAM

The ACT Government will maintain its commitment to attracting highly skilled workers to Canberra by investing a further $400,000 over two years in the Live in Canberra program.

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said that by highlighting the advantages of living and working in Canberra the program aims to tackle to local effects of the national skills shortage and to boost population growth.

“This program has gone from strength to strength to become a best-practice example of government, business and community sectors working together to take the Territory forward,” Mr Stanhope said.

“Competition between the States and Territories to attract and retain skilled workers is fierce, and it is vital the ACT continues to successfully compete for skilled workers.  

“The funding I announce today will help conduct national and international campaigns and attendance at expos over the next 12 months, along with follow-up actions, including settlement advice from contacts already made. 

“Canberra’s next generation of skilled workers, students at ANU, UC and CIT, have also been targeted by the campaign during their orientation weeks.  Live in Canberra aims to raise awareness among students of the opportunities they can expect in Canberra following graduation.”

Mr Stanhope said the Live In Canberra Campaign works with the ACT Skills Commission as part of an integrated approach to ensuring the Territory has the skilled workers required to keep moving forward. 

“The ACT Government established the ACT Skills Commission to provide expert advice to tackle the Territory’s skills shortage.” he said. 

Mr Chris Peters, Chief Executive of the ACT Chamber of Commerce, heads the Attraction and Retention Working Group of the Commission and is working closely with Live in Canberra to ensure coordinated activities promote Canberra as a great place to live and work. Live in Canberra also aims to retain skilled workers in the Territory through a settlement program. This events program was introduced to make Canberra a more welcoming city and to help new Canberrans to settle here more quickly. Over 25 events have been organised, with 500 new residents participating in welcome activities. A new program of events will be rolled out this year.
 
Mr Stanhope praised the financial support of more than 30 ACT-based businesses, educational institutions, sporting organisations and other agencies for contributing to the ongoing success of the award-winning Live in Canberra program.