Jobseekers in rural areas are more disadvantaged than those in the cities because they can be seen as a "burden", a government inquiry has been told.
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The Victorian Parliament's inquiry into sustainable employment for disadvantaged jobseekers will start its public hearings this week, after receving submissions from organisations including Alpine Council and Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House.
Alpine Council human resources officer Michelle Logue said in areas without big industry, unemployment was high and a lack of public transport made it difficult to get to jobs.
"Rural businesses struggle financially and funding a disadvantaged jobseeker can be a burden, as they may not be as skilled or as competitive in the job market, where only a few positions are available," she said.
"Vacancies in rural areas get many applicants and disadvantaged jobseekers with little or no experience often cant compete at all."
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The council has helped disadvantaged jobseekers, such as one man working as a gardener at a council-owned caravan park and an autistic man working at the library, and Ms Logue said more government funding would allow that to continue.
The submission from Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House also called on the government to provide more assistance for those trying to improve their skills through education and training.
"Organisations such as our Neighbourhood House try to offer these programs and supports, but are totally under resourced to perform that role," the submission stated.
"Many current programs focus too heavily on vocational outcomes and ignore social outcomes. It should be noted that many people need significant support in order to develop the capacity needed to gain employment and hold down a job."
The Economy and Infrastructure Committee will start hearings on Tuesday and chair John Eren said there was an "enthusiastic response" in submissions.
"By tapping into the lived experience of these organisations and people they work with, we are ensuring that the solutions that come out of this inquiry are practical, well-targeted and will have a real impact," he said.