Thursday, 4 August 2022

Ministers statements: Jobs Victoria

Ms PULFORD (Western Victoria—Minister for Employment, Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, Minister for Small Business, Minister for Resources) (12:39): I would like to report to the house the important work of Jobs Victoria, supporting people into jobs and backing businesses to find much-needed staff. So far Jobs Victoria has assisted 20 000 Victorians into a job through the support of on-the-ground mentors and advocates and specifically through the jobs fund. The jobs fund is on track to reach its 10 000 jobs target, supporting many priority jobseekers into jobs including in manufacturing, logistics, hairdressing, social services, early childhood education, hospitality and other sectors. Over 90 000 contacts have occurred between the hotline and interactions with advocates, while over 40 000 Victorians have received personalised support from Jobs Victoria. Jobs Victoria is a key economic recovery driver in the private, public and community sectors, and we are supporting people into or back into work and businesses to find and employ staff.

Jobs Victoria is supported by an online presence that is award winning. Recently Brad Petry, executive director of technology and insights at the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, was named the number one analytics leader of 2022 by IAPA, the Institute of Analytics Professionals of Australia, for his work with Jobs Victoria. Others in the top 25 included Bupa, DoorDash, Suncorp and the AFL. It is a wonderful accolade for Brad and for the team that work with him in the department to be recognised in this way. In announcing the award, the IAPA managing director, Annette Slunjski, said:

… data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to overcome biases to deliver more efficient employment services matching of applicants to vacancies—and positive feedback from both applicants, partners and employers …

It is a project that has showcased Brad’s analytics leadership skills and strategy influence, advocacy, innovation and team collaboration. Brad considers it a privilege to be recognised in this way and is proud to have played a role at Jobs Victoria to create a culture where data is central to helping Victorians into meaningful work. Congratulations, Brad.