Mr GREG WARREN (Campbelltown) (12:55): My question is addressed to the Minister for Local Government. Will the Minister update the House on how the Minns Labor Government is planning to employ a further 1,300 apprentices and trainees across the local government sector of New South Wales?
Mr RON HOENIG (Heffron—Minister for Local Government) (12:55): Yes, we can.
The SPEAKER: Members will come to order. The member for Terrigal is far too loud. That is a general comment.
Mr RON HOENIG: I thank the member for Campbelltown for his question. He has a deep‑seated knowledge of local government and has served it well. I was recently in his electorate of Campbelltown; what an extraordinary and popular local member he is. As the House knows, local government is one of the largest employers in this State. Some 50,000 employees across 128 councils manage more than $200 billion worth of assets and they spend more than $15 billion a year delivering important services. Councils have a direct impact on built amenity, the cleanliness of our open spaces and the quality of life in our communities.
But in reality the sector has been neglected and struggling for a long time. Councils across this State have been crying out for help for years to address the worsening skills crisis, which reached critical levels on the watch of the previous Government. A shortage of skilled labour is threatening to jeopardise the essential role councils play in delivering services and in building the infrastructure needed to support growing communities as we continue to tackle the State's housing crisis. That is why I am proud of the Minns Labor Government for announcing that it is allocating $252 million to recruit 1,300 new apprentices and trainees in councils across the State.
Whether it be plumbers from Penrith, finance trainees in the Tweed, electricians in Eurobodalla, childcare workers in Campbelltown or even, Mr Speaker, landscapers in Lake Macquarie, this is the biggest direct investment in trainees and apprentices by State government in living memory. Over the next six years, the funding will be provided directly to councils to train up the next generation of skilled workers—an investment that means more jobs will be kept within local councils, where they should be, reversing the trend of councils outsourcing jobs and services to contractors. More importantly, this investment by Labor will help young people in our regions by providing them with opportunities and pathways to embark on a skilled career close to where they grew up. [Extension of time]
It will see a future that ensures councils have a secure and sustainable pipeline of skilled workers to fill existing skills gaps and to plug the holes that will be left by long-time professionals retiring from the sector. The Office of Local Government is working with stakeholders in the sector to finalise funding guidelines. I anticipate the first lot of apprentices will be online in early 2025. I encourage all councils across the State to take up this great opportunity to ensure the skills and expertise of the existing workforce can be passed on to the next generation of apprentices, trainees and cadets.
I have spent a long time in local government; I am a passionate believer in local government, and I am proud that the New South Wales Labor Government is delivering this significant boost to councils. I pay tribute in particular to the General Secretary of the United Services Union, Graeme Kelly, OAM, who has been a passionate champion for this sector and for this apprentice and trainee policy to be funded. Graeme and his union are unwavering in their support for councils, recognising the vital roles they play in building healthy, vibrant and prosperous communities across the State. What an amazing allocation of funds to provide local trainees and apprentices, particularly for our regions, who are crying out for this level of support.
