Youth unemployment rates on the Central Coast are no exception to the state-wide increase, and it is vital that the business community takes action.



Not only have we all heard facts about high youth unemployment, we see thousands of residents travel from the Central Coast to work in Sydney each day, which is a clear indication that there are not enough local jobs.



It is easy to point the finger at the Government, but an effective solution clearly needs to be a collaborative one. We must focus effort on driving employment and job opportunities for youth.



Lucy Wicks, member for Robertson, recently announced a purpose built government facility, bringing with it more than 600 jobs. This is definitely a step in the right direction and will hopefully have the flow-on effect of bringing more jobs to the Central Coast.



Another announcement arrived last week for the hospitality sector, with the cut to Sunday penalty rates. For too long our restaurants and cafes have had their doors closed, or running completely understaffed on Sundays. This caused a negative impact on our region as a tourism destination, and, of course, less shift work available. This change has been a long-standing case that the NSW Business Chamber has fought for the sector because it was simply costing jobs. 



We hope to see further reform in the hospitality sector, so local cafes and restaurants – that are such a big part of our popular tourist destinations – have their doors open for business, which is vital good news for young people who need employment opportunities.