Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said disadvantaged parents of young children in Port Augusta and Whyalla will soon have access to the training and support they need to become work ready, thanks to the Turnbull Government’s decision to expand the successful ParentsNext program.
“The best form of welfare is a job and we are focused on helping more parents of young children into work and off welfare,” he said.
“After successful pilots of the program, the Government is rolling out ParentsNext nationally, to connect more parents of young children with personalised support to improve their work readiness by the time their children start school.”
Mr Ramsey said since launching in April last year, ParentsNext has made a real difference in the lives of young parents and their families, giving them the support and help they need to get ready to work.
“Families are the most important institution influencing the future of our nation”, Mr Ramsey said. “We need families to succeed and to provide the right example to their children and that is what this program is about, supporting families to be their best.”
ParentsNext participants receive personalised assistance, including advice on relevant education and qualifications, and training to improve numeracy and literacy.
“When mums and dads take time out from work to raise small children it can be difficult to find a way back into the workforce when their children start school,” Mr Ramsey said.
“It can be even more daunting and difficult for those parents who may not have worked previously and don’t have the skills or experience that employers are looking for.
“In the Port Augusta and Whyalla regions we have many families receiving Parenting Payment. ParentsNext will be a real opportunity for many of those parents to get the assistance they need to get work ready.”
Further information about ParentsNext is available at www.employment.gov.au/parents-next
Media Contact; Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744 Port Pirie Office.
May 18, 2017
