The Gillard Government is teaming up with Australia’s biggest jobs site SEEK to maximise work opportunities for Australians in the resources sector.

Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Bill Shorten said the partnership brings SEEK’s well-established jobs vacancy technology together with the Government’s Resources Sector Jobs Board.

“The newly revamped online jobs board will draw directly on SEEK’s giant database,” Mr Shorten said.

“This will make it easier for job seekers to find work in the resources sector and for employers to find staff to meet their needs.

“With over 6,000 jobs currently listed, this new partnership will ensure the maximum number of Australians are able to find resources sector jobs. It also gives employers access to a larger pool of skilled workers to meet their recruitment needs.

“It makes sense for us to partner with SEEK. They are a leader in their field with years of experience in the employment industry and in honing their technology.

“It’s also an exciting opportunity to establish a strong relationship between government and a private sector organisation.”

Seek CEO and co-founder Andrew Bassat said connecting Australia’s biggest single source of job seekers and hirers is a progressive step toward supporting the resource industry.

“The enhanced experience job seekers and hirers can expect because of the partnership will help meet the current challenge in finding Australian candidates with the necessary skills and experience the industry requires,” Mr Bassat said.

The original jobs board was first established in June 2012 to give Australian job seekers the opportunity to find work in the resources sector, and to help resources companies meet the demand for skilled workers.

Companies and contractors who seek Government approval to access skilled workers from outside Australia are required to advertise their job opportunities on the board to demonstrate that suitably qualified Australians are given the first opportunity to apply for available jobs.

As with the current jobs board, people looking for a job will be able to search and apply online, and employers will have an option to upload vacancies from their existing systems. However, the matching of job seekers to hirers will be greatly enhanced through SEEK’s cutting-edge technology.

The Resources Sector Jobs Board is available at www.jobsboard.gov.au.

Mr Shorten’s Media Contact: Jessica Lindell 0408 642 804