It fulfils a commitment made by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd under the Federal Government's $650 million Local Jobs Fund.

Ms Robinson will be an important conduit between the 13,400 Illawarra people who can't find a job, employers, trainers and our federal and state parliaments.

The former Shellharbour City Council economic development manager has impressive local government credentials but, make no mistake, her task will be daunting in a region where the employment rate is rapidly closing on 10 per cent.

Ms Robinson will need all the help and co-operation she can get from business leaders, trainers and our parliamentary representatives.

Nobody expects miracles, but if she can raise our case for special consideration at the highest levels she will have done her job.

And another thing ...

Federal Opposition Leader Malcolm Turnbull's handling of the so-called "ute-gate" scandal has been clumsy to say the least.

Mr Turnbull's attempt to link Mr Rudd to the scandal has fallen flat and threatens his future as Coalition leader. Ute-gate still has a long way to go, but in their first head-to-head clash the PM is way ahead on points.