Labor notes the release of the Statement of Expectations for the delivery of the Western Sydney Airport.
Although the statement mentions the need to maximise local employment, it falls short by failing to guarantee opportunities for apprentices during the airport’s construction phase.
The Western Sydney Airport will increase Sydney’s aviation capacity and create thousands of jobs, and apprentices should share in those employment opportunities.
The airport must contribute to building the skills of the future that lead to secure, skilled and well-paid jobs.
Labor has committed to ensuring that at least one in 10 jobs on major Commonwealth-funded projects is done by an apprentice.
We urge the Turnbull Government to follow suit, so vital projects like this not only build much-needed and lasting infrastructure, but help build skills and job opportunities as well.