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Why my party should get your vote: Opposition Leader Bill Shorten writes exclusively for the Mercury.
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Every time I visit the Illawarra I am blown away by the sheer beauty of the region and the hardworking and resilient nature of its people.
I have had the privilege to spend a lot of time throughout Wollongong and the South Coast – both representing working people at the steelworks and spending time with Chloe and the kids in Mollymook.
As I have travelled throughout the region it is clear that the Illawarra’s economic journey mirrors the nation’s journey.
From an economy driven by the resources boom to a more diverse and vibrant economy focused on skills, advanced manufacturing and tourism.
When the Port Kembla stack came down in 2014 it did not signal the end of the road for manufacturing and working class jobs in the region, but it reminded us of the economic transition taking place.
It was a symbol of something bigger – a call to ensure we are supporting working and middle-class people as the economy changes.
It is not good enough to just talk about innovation and agility – we must have the policies in place to transition the economy and support people through this transition.
This is particularly important in regions like the Illawarra with so many jobs dependent on manufacturing and blue-collar industries.
Research conducted by the University of Wollongong suggests that more than 10,000 jobs in the Illawarra region directly depend on BlueScope’s plant in Port Kembla, while the manufacturing plant contributes more than $2 billion in sales to regional gross output.
This is one of the reasons why I recently announced at the Port Kembla steelworks Labor’s Plan for Local Metals Manufacturing and Jobs.
A plan that at its core promotes a sustainable future for Australia’s metals industries.
Securing the future of these industries through challenging times is a nationwide priority demanding a comprehensive plan for local skills, local content and Australian apprentices.
Because we believe in a country where "Made in Australia" still means something.
In times of economic change, we must prepare our people for the jobs of the future - and give everyone the chance to benefit.
My team in the Illawarra are passionate about the region and will play an integral role in a Labor Government.
Sharon Bird’s commitment to skills and apprentices has been vital in shaping our package on TAFE and apprenticeships. Cleaning out the dodgy private training colleges and backing public TAFE all the way.
My team in the Illawarra are passionate about the region.
Stephen Jones’ passion and drive to ensure regional communities have the best health care and telecommunications infrastructure will mean more Australians will get a proper NBN and will be able to see a doctor when they need to.
And fighting hard in the South Coast is Labor’s outstanding candidate for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips who will be a strong voice for the region and will ensure that the South Coast finally gets its fair share.
Ensuring middle and working class families are supported through the Illawarra’s transition is vital to the economic success of the region and the wider economy.
But talking about transition and hoping for the best isn't enough. Australia’s economic success has never been a question of good fortune or luck.
It's about hard work and working together - and true equality of opportunity. That’s the principle which binds Labor’s policies together. The oldest, most Australian, aspiration – the fair go all round.
I can assure readers of the Illawarra Mercury that a new Labor Government will be as good as our word.
We will fulfil the mandate we seek. We will live up to the trust of Australians. And we will always put people first.