The ACT Government has created 150 new jobs in the ACT public service for Canberrans whose income has been significantly affected by COVID-19.
The $20 million ‘Jobs for Canberrans’ fund aims to provide secure, short-term employment opportunities with the ACT Public Service from now until June 2021.
Canberrans will be able to register and apply online for a variety of temporary short-term roles in a range of areas such as maintenance, cleaning, administration, customer service, public transport and logistics.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said this is just the start of the job opportunities.
“As the pandemic evolves, the government will continue to explore further job opportunities across our public service to support Canberra families.”
All roles will have minimum prerequisites and can be undertaken in a manner that is compliant with public health directions. Some of the areas of recruitment include Access Canberra customer service, city cleaning, garden and tree maintenance, environmental recovery following bushfires, and administrative support.
Mr Barr said they have already seen success in placing Canberrans stood down by their employers as a result of COVID-19. Today, Monday 20 April, Transport Canberra Buses welcomed 30 people stood down from their usual roles within the wider transport industry to fill positions.
“They will play an important role in helping the ACT Government provide public transport services in a safe way, including delivering the increased cleaning services implemented on Canberra’s bus fleet. The workers have been employed on temporary, casual contracts for an initial period of six months.”
The ACT Government will work with businesses, employee representatives and community services organisations to target those people who are most in need and are ineligible for existing Federal Government support.
Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said the initiative was a potential lifeline to international students studying in the capital.
“Many international students, just like their Australian friends, have seen their part-time jobs disappear overnight through no fault of their own. They continue to live and study here, despite losing their income and not being eligible for the [Federal] Government’s JobKeeper support package,” Ms Jackson said.
“The ACT Government will benefit from having some very talented, industrious and appreciative international students working for them. And international students have the chance to earn some much-needed income.”
As part of the fund, ACT Government directorates will also be seeking to upskill workers engaged using internal programs, partnering with the Canberra Institute of Technology. This will include a mix of both accredited and non-accredited training.
Those seeking short term/casual employment are encouraged to check their eligibility for this fund and register their interest via the Casual Jobs Register.
