Experts offer comment on tackling the job divide in Sydney’s west
Experts from Western Sydney University’s Centre for Western Sydney (opens in a new window) can comment on tackling the job divide between east and west, advocating that lessons learned from COVID should closely inform the outcomes of the Jobs and Skills Summit, 1-2 September, including efforts to improve job security in Sydney’s west.
Professor Andy Marks, Director, Centre for Western Sydney
Professor Andy Marks leads major strategic and development initiatives across the Centre for Western Sydney, NUW Alliance and Western Sydney University in collaboration with government, industry and the community. He writes regular columns for the Sydney Morning Herald and the Daily Telegraph. He is also a regular panellist on ABC 702 Sydney’s ‘political forum’.
Professor Marks can speak about the political implications of the jobs and skills summit. Including, what it means for areas like Western Sydney with comparatively high rates of insecure, low wage and unskilled employment, and what it might mean for the upcoming NSW election where labour market shortages in teaching, nursing, and other fields will be critical issues.
"The Jobs and Skills Summit might be national in focus, but it is on the ground in areas like Western Sydney where the impact and political implications will be felt,” he said.
Associate Professor Rae Dufty-Jones, Centre for Western Sydney
Associate Professor Rae Dufty-Jones is an economic and social geographer. Her research interests and expertise include Australian housing policy and internal migration, regional economic development and infrastructure, and New Immigration Destinations (international migrants settling in rural and regional communities).
Associate Professor Dufty-Jones can speak about the role of women in work, the importance of safe, secure jobs that promote wellbeing, and post-secondary school skills.
“The experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed significant structural weaknesses in Australia’s labour force. Success in this space requires public policy that simultaneously works to increase women’s participation and immigration (skilled and humanitarian),” she said.
To arrange an interview, please contact the Media Team: media@westernsydney.edu.au.
ENDS
1 September 2022
Photo credit: Sally Tsoutas
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