The federal treasury has released an issues paper ahead of the government’s two-day jobs and skills summit. 

The two-day summit next month should cover five areas of focus, the document states - maintaining full employment and economic growth, boosting job security and wages, lifting participation rates and reducing barriers to employment, growing a capable workforce through skills, training and migration, and maximising opportunities in the industries of the future.

“Australia’s economy and labour market face complex challenges. While the unemployment rate is at historic lows, a tight labour market has also brought challenges including widespread and acute skills shortages. Even before COVID-19, nominal wage growth had been weak and real wages had not risen significantly for around a decade,” the paper says.

“The ongoing effects of COVID-19, high inflation, rising interest rates, global economic uncertainty and disrupted supply chains further compound these challenges, which are holding back the potential of our economy and country.”

The summit is set to review equality and the experience of women in the workforce, and issues with getting equal opportunities and equal pay for women.

The Albanese government says the summit is the first stage of a longer process. It is working on a white paper on employment to map out a comprehensive blueprint for Australia’s future labour market.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has welcomed the contributions in the lead-up to the September event. 

The Treasurer says he is holding roundtable discussions across Australia to get a broader picture of issues facing the economy.

“Australians are paying too hefty a price for a decade of division, wasted opportunities and warped priorities,” Dr Chalmers said.

“Through the summit and beyond, we are serious about bringing people together from right across the community to find common ground.”