State-sponsored apprenticeships and decriminalising cannabis on the bill at Victoria’s Labor conference
Summary
Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan will announce a plan to create a government-owned electricity body to hire 2,000 electrical apprentices over four years. The Labor party will also discuss other policies like considering a shorter workweek, adding reproductive health leave, and decriminalising cannabis at their state conference before the upcoming election.Key Facts
- The new apprenticeship program is the first by the government since privatising the State Electricity Commission (SEC) 30 years ago.
- The SEC will provide training at two locations in Melbourne and regional Victoria, starting in January 2027.
- There is a growing shortage of electricians nationally, with a predicted shortfall of up to 42,000 by 2030.
- Reasons for the shortage include fewer students choosing apprenticeships, unclear benefits for employers, and a lack of qualified trainers.
- Victoria’s Labor party will finalize its election platform at the conference, including proposals to reduce workweek hours and offer 12 days of reproductive health leave annually.
- The party plans to decriminalise personal cannabis use to reduce pressure on police and limit criminal records for vulnerable people.
- The conference will also debate motions on issues like higher taxes on gas companies, gambling harm, free public transport, and datacentre emissions.
- Premier Allan links the apprenticeship plan to the goal of building careers and community, inspired by her father’s experience with the SEC.
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