Cr Bilal El-Hayek is so concerned by the jobless rate he has called on not only his council but all levels of Government to act before the situation worsens.
According to the latest census figures, there were around 20 per cent of people aged between 15-24 who are unemployed in South-West Sydney.
And that figure is three times higher than the NSW average of 6.7 per cent.
Cr El-Hayek says those figures are unacceptable, and “we must make reducing them a priority”.
“I do a lot of work with community groups and I hear these stories of despair every day.
“There are fewer jobs and the competition to get them is fierce. I heard of one position advertised and more than 100 people applying.”
Councillor El-Hayek is so concerned by the high rate of unemployment in his area, he moved a motion calling on the council to explore ways of reducing this growing problem.
His motion comes as the council is already preparing a comprehensive Economic Development Strategy which will incorporate job-creating initiatives.
It is expected the council will release this plan in the first half of 2022.
Cr El-Hayek said it wasn’t just the council that needed to do the hard lifting.
“We need the Federal and State governments to focus on jobs and job creation schemes, offering more incentives to local manufacturers and small businesses.
“If you create opportunities, the rewards will come.”
He says he wants to ensure that young people in Canterbury Bankstown are afforded every chance to succeed.
“No matter what your background, or where you live, we are all entitled to be given a fair go,” he added.
