EDITORIAL
Labor Leader Dean Winter
I recently had the opportunity to be a part of the annual McHappy Day charity event and work at my local Maccas in Kingston. It was a great experience and what impressed me most were the youngsters who showed me the ropes. Chantelle, who was supervising my efforts, and the other team members were not just effective and competent, they were patient with me.
Australian Bureau of Statistics show that on average for the 12 months to December, 10.5 per cent of Tasmanians aged between 15 and 24 years were unemployed, and Tasmania’s workforce participation rate is the worst in the nation. Since Jeremy Rockliff’s Liberal State Government has been in minority, 8700 full-time jobs have been lost in the state.
Most importantly, they are happy to work together as a team, committed and proud of what they do.
These alarming figures lay bare the importance of starter jobs for our state.
My short Maccas stint highlighted something about hospitality. It’s the industry that gives many young Tasmanians their first taste of formal work, be it in local cafes, restaurants and fast-food operations. Any Labor leader worthy of the title will tell you that all jobs are important, but some jobs are special: without a first job, there won’t be other jobs. First jobs help young people move into adulthood and work out what they want to do. They teach people to show up, learn their tasks, be part of a team and take pride in their work.
Census data shows that accommodation and food services was the leading industry employing young Tasmanians, providing 21 per cent of jobs for those aged 15 to 24. Obviously, not everyone who has their first job in hospitality will stay in the industry – but many choose to, with a range of career options and training available. Tasmania’s hospitality and visitor economy have been spectacularly successful in showcasing to the world what makes our state special. Along the way, this sector is offering employment opportunities to one in five of our young working people. Helping young Tasmanians build their lives and careers here is worth supporting. It’s also enjoyable: from fast food to fine dining, every bite and every sip creates local jobs.
These are truly transferable skills that set young people up for success.
It is of great concern to me and my Labor colleagues that Tasmania’s youth unemployment remains persistently high.
19 Tasmanian Hospitality Review Oct/Nov Edition
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online