Tuesday, 14 November 2023

 Vicki WARD (Eltham – Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, Minister for Employment) (14:37): I rise to update the house on the success of the Allan Labor government’s $35 million Jobs Victoria mentor program, creating opportunities for the next generation of experienced mentors and eager mentees. Eleven organisations are delivering 15 mentor services across Hume, Brimbank and Greater Dandenong, as well as in Latrobe, supporting the communities of Gippsland South and Morwell, and in Greater Shepparton, providing important benefits to local communities, including Euroa and Murray Plains.

Mentors support mentees with résumés, interview preparation, enrolments for training and qualifications and support for workers throughout the first six months of their new job. This includes services tailored to support migrants and people from multicultural backgrounds. More than 46,000 culturally diverse Victorian jobseekers have been supported by the Jobs Victoria mentor program, with 19,000 people securing employment so far. Mentors such as TaskForce have partnered with local organisations like Afri-Aus Care in the member for Clarinda’s community, ensuring that services are delivered with partners who have strong links to their local communities – something this government does best, working with community for community. Afri-Aus Care has placed over 330 culturally diverse jobseekers into employment, such as the woman in her early 60s who was helped to grow her confidence, develop new skills, engage in community life and secure employment. She was supported into a new job with Cleanaway and has received post-placement support.

Jobs Victoria mentors is just one way the Allan Labor government is committed to creating new job opportunities and more opportunities for all Victorians of all backgrounds, and if the Leader of the Opposition needs a mentor in the future, I am happy to help him out.