By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Geelong’s key jobs networking organisation faces closure with the loss of almost $500,000 in Federal Government funding.
Funding for the Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) runs out at the end of the year after the Government axed a federal Partnership Broker Program.
LLEN executive officer Anne-Marie Ryan said the organisation could survive until March if it held back some of its funds. State Government has committed to a $2.3 million funding package for 31 LLENs around Victoria.
“But we can’t survive on that. Other networks are already losing experience and valuable staff because of the uncertainty,” Ms Ryan said.
“Geelong faces a complex problem that can’t be solved by any one sector, which is why the LLEN’s role is so important.
“We know that redundancy leads to health issues for workers, which costs the health system a lot more than funding us in the first place.
“The network has been a unique and vital community resource to industry, business, schools and government over 12 years of partnership building.”
State opposition skills spokesman Steve Herbert called the decision “bloody-minded and dumb”.
“The networks and links established by the Geelong region LLEN are incredible and its effectiveness far outweighs the cost of the service,” he said.
Labor Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville said the cut coincided with“huge challenges and big issues” facing Geelong.
“With the amount of workers being made redundant we face a skills drain as they seek jobs elsewhere,” Ms Neville said.
Geelong Trades Hall secretary Tim Gooden said the LLEN filled a crucial need for data on school leavers, university and training places and job seekers.
“Without the kind of research and data the LLEN provides, it leaves everybody at a loss to know what’s really going on,” Mr Gooden said.
The Independent revealed three weeks ago that a National Centre for Vocation and Education Research had cast doubt on the value of multi-million dollar rescue funds for the region.
A spokesperson said State Government was working on “transition arrangements” for the LLENs in light of the federal funding cuts.
