TELSTRA NEEDS TO SUPPORT REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT, NOT CUT JOBS.

Telstra needs to outline exactly how they are going to assist 78 employees that had their jobs cut with no warning yesterday, Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King said.
 
“After initially saying they were slashing 64 jobs from their Gillies St. office, it now seems like there are at least 14 further jobs to go from Telstra around Ballarat.
 
“This is devastating news for the employees and their families and serves only to add pressure to unemployment problems in the region.
 
“With a sudden announcement like this, it is likely that no employees have been offered retraining or prepared for change. If Telstra is serious about being part of Ballarat’s future it needs to clearly demonstrate their future plans for their workforce here in Ballarat.
 
“As a profitable Australian company, built with the support of all Australians, Telstra is best placed to take advantage of all the benefits of regional centres like Ballarat. I call on Telstra to work with the local community to build new jobs and growth in the area and be part of Ballarat’s future.”