In her media statement of Dec 19th, Fiona Phillips, Labor spokesperson for Gilmore says that Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis must come clean on her government’s axing of its Green Army jobs scheme announced in the Mid Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO). Ms Phillips offers that "it is yet more proof that the Liberal Government doesn’t have any real plans to help young people get into work". "While Ms Sudmalis has previously many times sang the praises of the program in Parliament and in the media, yet the Government is happy to cut funding from unemployed young people in Gilmore at a time when youth unemployment is around twice the national average." "During the election campaign Ms Sudmalis went here, there and almost everywhere and couldn’t stop telling voters how good the Green Army was for local communities. Was this just a cynical ploy to get past the election before cutting the program?" In her media release Ms Philips notes the following: Ms Sudmalis said this of the program: “At the same time we must not neglect the fact that many Green Army Projects have developed work skills, team work and employment outcomes. All election commitment projects are required to submit an application form, which ensures projects meet eligibility requirements….” MEDIA RELEASE – 7 NOVEMBER 2016 “The Green Army is a hands-on, practical, grassroots environmental action program that supports local environment and heritage conservation projects across Australia. Young Australians aged 17 – 24 will have a chance to gain training and experience in environmental and heritage conservation fields, and explore careers in conservation management. Our youth will build on their levels of self confidence, while participating in projects that generate real benefits for the Australian environment”. SPEECH – HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 24 MARCH 2014 In conclusion Fiona Phillips wrote "Ms Sudmalis must now come clean and explain what the axing of the Green Army program means for election commitment projects in Gilmore, for young people, the environment and for youth unemployment".
