State tips in $200,000 to tackle tourism labour shortage

The state government has invested another $200,000 in Western Australia's tourism industry to help it address the workforce shortage.

Tourism Western Australia chief executive Richard Muirhead said practical new initiatives were being invited from not-for-profit tourism organisations as part of the state government's push to get more people working in the tourism industry.

"The Workforce Partnership Program, now in its second year, has enabled a strong link between industry and government to tackle the labour shortage," Mr Muirhead said.

"A number of tourism and hospitality industry-led initiatives have been implemented to address the short to medium term needs of the industry.

"Last year, funding was allocated to the Australian Hotels Association WA, Tourism Council WA, and Hospitality and Tourism Industry Training Council WA whose projects included attracting and retaining tourism and hospitality workers, industry career promotions and better industry training.

"This second round of funding will encourage associations to build on last year's projects as well as look at new ways to expand the labour pool.

"Eligible bodies must be not-for-profit organisations that represent hospitality and tourism employers."

The $200,000 Workforce Partnership Program is part of the state government's $590,000 funding which will see government and industry work together to combat workforce shortages.

Applications for the Workforce Partnership Program close on Wednesday 5 March 2008.