Jobs and Skills Australia Passes Parliament

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) legislation has successfully passed the parliament today, further securing the Albanese Government’s plan to address significant skills shortages across the country.

Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP, said establishing JSA has been a critical priority for the Government.

“The Albanese Government recognises the urgency of the skills crisis facing the nation, which is why the swift passage of this legislation is such an important milestone,” Minister O’Connor said.

“A lack of skilled workers is one of the biggest economic challenges currently facing Australia. 

“Jobs and Skills Australia will bring together unions, employers, state and territory governments to provide independent advice to government on current and emerging workforce needs. It will help improve skills development, employment opportunities and economic growth.

“The Albanese Government has invested an additional $12.9 million in this week’s Budget to help JSA more precisely identify and anticipate skills shortages across the economy based on the best available evidence.

“We have also provided $1.9 million so that JSA can get to work preparing a capacity study into Australia’s clean energy workforce to provide better analysis of the skills needed to support the clean energy transition. The expansion of new and emerging industries such as advanced manufacturing, technology and new energy will require a supply of highly specialised skills.

“JSA will also lead the development and delivery of a $12 million new National Study on Adult Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Literacy Skills that will provide a up-to-date evidence based on levels of these foundation skills among Australian adults.

“This will be the most comprehensive study ever undertaken in Australia. The results will inform the design of future programs and policies.

“The Albanese Government has acted quickly to address critical skills shortages and has a comprehensive plan to tackle the skills needs of individuals and industry, and the factors that will shape demand for jobs and skills over the next 10 and 20 years,” Minister O’Connor said.

The interim JSA body will build on the important work of the National Skills Commission, replacing it a week after royal assent.

JSA’s primary task will be to provide critical advice to governments and industry at a time of significant economic transition.