Fed: COAG to establish working groups to drive reform=8

AAP General News (Australia)
12-20-2007
Fed: COAG to establish working groups to drive reform=8

The prime minister said the meeting looked at a whole range of supply-side constraints
effecting the economy, particularly the critical nature of skill shortages and infrastructure.

"That is why so many of the programs we put forward prior to the election which we
will implement in government deal with the skills agenda, training places, education and
universities, together with what we will do in the infrastructure," Mr Rudd said.

"We are very mindful of labour supply and not just the supply of adequate skills within
the existing labour supply.

"We are also mindful of how you boost the participation rate and part of the participation
rate increase that is necessary is reflected in our approach to childcare and things of
that nature."

Western Australia Premier Alan Carpenter said labour supply was a specifically difficult
issue for his state.

"We raised the issue of migration. This is a matter the federal government is aware
of in Western Australia," Mr Carpenter said.

"There are some great sensitivities about this issue and has to be dealt with properly,
thoughtfully and the way this is going to become productive.

"As the result of our discussion I think we can do that with the specific needs of
Western Australia that need to be met in my view for the benefit of the entire economy,
so we have to do it properly."

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KEYWORD: COAG RUDD 8 CANBERRA

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