New McDonald’s stores to give Victoria 1,000 new jobs
Global fast food restaurant McDonald’s has announced it will open eight new stores in the State of Victoria.
Victorian State Treasurer Michael O’Brien said the eight new McDonald’s stores would create 1,000 jobs in Victoria.
Joined by the Minister for Youth Affairs Ryan Smith and McDonald’s Victorian Market Director Mahassen Haddad, Mr O’Brien said the announcement would provide job opportunities for Victorians seeking casual, part-time and full-time work and would also benefit local communities.
“Up to 1,000 new jobs and $62 million will be invested in local communities by McDonald’s as they build eight new stores across the State,” Mr O’Brien said.
“McDonald’s provides a great opportunity for young people to learn about teamwork, customer service and business operations while earning money,” Mr O’Brien said.
The eight new Victorian restaurants, many of which will be owned and run by local franchisees, will open in Lucas (Ballarat), Carrum Downs, Craigieburn North, Traralgon East, Clayton South, Langwarrin, Officer and Lara by the end of the year.
Opportunity for young people to develop employment skills
Mr Smith said having a part-time job was important for hundreds of thousands of young Victorians, to help them to develop life-skills, learn about customer service and develop an idea of what they would like their career to be.
“We know that young people who hold down a part-time job early in life become more employable and gain wide-ranging skills – and these 1,000 new jobs will provide even more opportunities for motivated young people,” Mr Smith said.
McDonald’s is already a significant employer in Victoria, employing up to 24,000 people across the State, and also supporting other local employers by sourcing Victorian produce such as beef, eggs, potatoes, lettuce and tomato.
New McDonald’s stores welcomed by VECCI
The announcement of the new McDonald’s stores has been welcomed by the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI), which is the peak body for employers in Victoria.
VECCI’s Chief Executive Mark Stone said the $62 million investment would benefit both regional and metropolitan Victoria, particularly with regard to youth employment.
“This expansion is timely, as as the Victorian economy continues to undergo change it is important that there is a focus on the success of sectors with growth potential, such as hospitality,” Mr Stone said.
“In-keeping with VECCI’s advocacy, the State Government has encouraged business expansion by cutting the payroll tax rate to 4.85 per cent and reducing the average WorkCover premium by 2 per cent,” Mr Stone said. “We hope these recent announcements that reduce business costs are the first of many from both major parties in the lead-up to the November state election,” he said.
