ACT TARGETS SKILLED WORKERS IN SYDNEY

The ACT Government is continuing its drive to attract skilled workers to the ACT and ease ongoing skills shortages by promoting Canberra's lifestyle advantages at an expo in Sydney.

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said the Country and Regional Expo, to be held from 6-8 August at Rosehill Racecourse, was a great opportunity to promote Canberra's employment, lifestyle and education advantages to thousands of skilled workers who were considering a change.

"Skill shortages continue to persist across a range of sectors in Canberra, and although unemployment remains at almost historic lows, it is important that we continue to attract a steady stream of skilled workers to meet the ongoing demand," Mr Stanhope said.

"With an estimated 8000 people attending the three day expo, this event is a great opportunity to attract skilled workers who are interested in the opportunities on offer in other cities.

"Visitors to the expo will learn about Canberra's unique lifestyle, employment opportunities and excellent schools and health facilities, which contribute to the great standard of living that Canberrans enjoy.

"This will be the fifth year the Live in Canberra team has attended the Country and Regional Living Expo in Sydney which is an important part of our drive to attract more skilled workers and their families to our wonderful city."

The Live in Canberra team will be equipped with material from the Australian National University, University of Canberra and Canberra Institute of Technology to promote studying opportunities in the capital.

"Other States and Territories are actively seeking skilled workers, so it's important we promote the Live in Canberra message at an expo like this which attracts thousands of patrons," Mr Stanhope said.

Media Contact:

Chantelle Lustri 6205 2775 0434 560 770 chantelle.lustri@act.gov.au
Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf@act.gov.au