Secure work and fair pay will be a key focus of the Albanese government’s jobs blueprint.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers will release the Employment White Paper on Monday, along with a number of initiatives.

“The Employment White Paper is a roadmap for ensuring more Australians can make the most of the big shifts under way in our economy and society over the coming decades,” Dr Chalmers said.

“It outlines our vision for a more dynamic and inclusive labour market in which more people have opportunities for secure, fairly paid work in a country where workers, employers and communities can be beneficiaries of change and thrive.”

There will be five objectives in the document: sustained and inclusive full employment; job security and strong, sustainable wage growth; reigniting productivity growth; filling skills needs and building the future workforce; and overcoming barriers to employment and broadening opportunity.

The government is expected to make a number of announcements relating to policy areas such as modernising industry and regional policy, reducing barriers to work and partnering with communities.

The white paper will complement work already under way such as the Migration Strategy, the National Skills Agreement being negotiated with the states and territories and the Universities Accord.

Dr Chalmers said Jobs and Skills Summit held in Canberra late last year provided the foundation for the white paper.

“Today our unemployment rate is around historic lows and the participation rate is near record highs,” he said.

“This positions us well in the face of the immediate challenges of slowing economic growth and continuing global uncertainty, but more needs to be done to shape the future direction of our labour market and put the benefits of employment within reach of more of our people.”

Paul Osborne
(Australian Associated Press)