Minister for Employment Senator Eric Abetz officially opened the Launceston Jobs Fair, at Albert Hall, this morning.

The fair is one of a number of events in Launceston aimed at fostering jobs and long-term prosperity in Tasmania.

The fair features a range of exhibitors, including small and large employers, industry associations, government agencies, employment providers, educational institutions and apprenticeship advisers.

Senator Abetz said, “This fair is an ideal opportunity for job seekers of all ages to find out what kind of work is available in Tasmania today, what sort of study options are opening up and where the jobs of the future will be,”.

The event has a strong focus on the practical, so people will be able to submit job applications on the spot and gain useful tips on things such as writing a resume.

Many different industries will be represented, including trades, dairy, policing and aquaculture.

This evening, the Tasmanian Jobs and Economic Workshop, at Launceston’s Grand Chancellor Hotel, will see State, national and overseas experts discuss ways in which Tasmania can create more local jobs and foster greater prosperity.

Senator Abetz ,said, “This Workshop will involve senior representatives of the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development), which means that the deliberations will benefit from valuable international perspectives,”.

It will be officially opened by the Member for Bass, Mr Andrew Nikolic MP, and it will concentrate on job creation, skills and innovation, better responding to the needs of business and getting young people into the workforce.

The Tasmanian economy is being rebooted, and our ability to map out a prosperous and job-rich future for ourselves is greatly enhanced by bringing the best minds to the table.

Mr Dale Elphinstone, said,” The week’s activities will culminate in Friday’s meeting of the Joint Commonwealth and Tasmanian Economic Council – a high-powered body co-chaired by the Prime Minister and one of this State’s leading businessmen,”.

It’s a measure of the importance the Australian Government places on the economic development of Tasmania that Tony Abbott is personally involved in the Council and its work.

Taken together, the three major events occurring in Launceston this week are designed to create wealth, jobs and opportunity for this State.