Senator the Hon Mathias Cormann

To maximise local employment benefits of the Inland Rail, for an important section of the 1,700kms Brisbane to Melbourne route, the Federal Liberal and Nationals’ Government has announced it will be establishing a ‘One-Stop-Shop’.

It comes after the preferred construction contractor for the Parkes to Narromine section of the Inland Rail – the INLink Joint Venture – was unveiled this week, bringing construction a step closer to delivering a range of social and economic benefits for local residents and businesses.

The ‘One-Stop-Shop’ will bring together job and training programs from within the NSW and Federal Governments, with the aim of strategically supporting local employment opportunities during the Inland Rail’s construction.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack said the ‘One-Stop-Shop’ will support the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and its contractors to maximise the Inland Rail’s local benefits and act as a central point of advice for contractors to source local jobseekers and suppliers.

“We are bringing together Federal, State and Local Government and the ARTC to maximise opportunities for local and Aboriginal employment and procurement during construction of Inland Rail,” Mr McCormack said.

Mr McCormack said Inland Rail will provide a significant boost for the regions and he was pleased construction on the Parkes to Narromine section was now a step closer.

“This will provide opportunities for jobs and skills development,” Mr McCormack said.

Minister for Finance Mathias Cormann said the Government is committed to regional employment in delivering the Inland Rail, including through maximising local and Aboriginal employment opportunities.

“With Inland Rail set to create thousands of jobs in regional areas we are bringing together Federal, State and Local Government support and services strategically, to provide individuals and businesses with the best possible opportunity to participate in the Inland Rail’s construction,” Senator Cormann said.

Minister for Jobs and Innovation Michaelia Cash said a Government Employment Facilitator, through the ‘One-Stop-Shop’ will provide a tailored service to construction contractors and streamline recruitment processes.

“The Employment Facilitator will work with ARTC’s construction contractor to understand their workforce needs and, in collaboration with service providers such as jobactive, package together a range of Government training and employment programs and services to fill entry-level jobs,” Senator Cash said.

Minister for Indigenous Affairs Nigel Scullion said the Federal Government is committed to increasing Aboriginal employment and business participation, particularly for economic opportunities created by the Australian Government’s major investment in infrastructure projects like the $9.3 billion Inland Rail.

“Infrastructure is an area which can help with Aboriginal economic participation and Inland Rail will provide employment and business opportunities for Aboriginal people in regional Australia,” Senator Scullion said.

Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment and Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed the announcement of the preferred construction contractor for the first section of Inland Rail and the ‘One-Stop-Shop’.

“Inland Rail will create opportunities not only during construction for regional NSW, but also for farmers and regional business by making use of more efficient and reliable transport to markets throughout Australia and the world,” Mr Coulton said.

Mr Coulton said the ‘One-Stop-Shop’ will co-locate with the construction contractor as well as operating closely with the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities Inland Rail Regional Liaison Officers located in Dubbo.

For more information visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/rail/inland, for updates on planning and construction visit www.inlandrail.artc.com.au.