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Media Release | National Skills Forum to address impact of global economic crisis

16 January 2009

From the Office of the Chief Executive.

National Skills forum to address impact of global economic crisis

LGMA will host a national local government skills forum on 19-20 February 2009 in Melbourne, to develop an action plan for a new way forward for the local government sector to meet its skills needs over the next five to ten years.

The forum follows hot on the heels of the federal government’s $8 million commitment to create a centre of excellence for workforce development for local government, and the increasing effects of the global economic crisis.

“The issue of skills shortage has been deliberated for some time by LGMA and professional peak bodies and local government associations,” LGMA Chief Executive, John Ravlic said.

“It is a complex issue that requires significant input and continued development of creative ideas and strategies.

“Although a great deal has been done by all spheres of government to alleviate the effects of skills shortage, the pressure on the sector to attract and retain skilled staff has never been greater.”

According to Mr Ravlic, the election of the Rudd government has introduced a range of initiatives designed to deal with the impact of skills shortage against the backdrop of the global economic crisis. With these recent developments the issue of skills shortage in local government has become more complex.

“The global economic crisis resulting in worldwide job losses will have significant impact on our sector’s skills supply,” Mr Ravlic said.

“Job losses undermine our communities’ quality of life and place greater pressure on local government to deliver a range of support services.

“In order to continue to be relevant to our communities and meet their growing needs and expectations, we must continue to look for new ways of thinking and doing business.”

The principal outcome of the 2009 National Local Government Skills Forum will be a response to the sector’s future skills needs.

The forum will be an “invitation only” event extended to local government professional peak bodies and associations including the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), relevant education and training bodies, unions, and commonwealth and state departments responsible for local government.

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For more information contact John Ravlic, Chief Executive or Helen Diggerson, Manager Marketing and Communication on (03) 9682 9222.