12 September, 2010 | ACTU Media Release

Unions welcome the announcement of the new Gillard Government Ministry with its emphasis on securing jobs for working Australians, building a stronger, more sustainable economy and delivering good schools, decent healthcare and better services for all Australians, including those in the regions.

ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence congratulates Senator Chris Evans on his appointment to the position of Minister for Jobs, Skills and Workplace Relations.

"Senator Evans has had a long association with working people and understands the pressures they face," he said.

"The renaming of this portfolio shows a welcome focus on jobs and skills as the key drivers of Australia’s economic growth. The Labor Government has made important investments in this area which have contributed to Australia’s rapid recovery from the economic downturn and protected working families from the GFC."

ACTU President Ged Kearney congratulates Greg Combet on his elevation into the Cabinet as the new Minister for Climate Change.

"Mr Combet has the proven skills from his career in the union movement to handle this sensitive and critical portfolio," Ms Kearney said.

"We will work with him on the opportunities for new clean energy jobs posed by the transition to a low-carbon economy.

"I am confident that Mr Combet understands the importance of protecting existing jobs and creating new ones during the transition to a low-carbon economy, and unions look forward to working with him to capture the opportunities for new jobs and industries posed by action on climate change."