THE construction of the proposed $432m ACT Government office block will help around 200 young Canberrans complete their skills training says a statement from Deputy Chief Minister Andrew Barr.

The statement said a minimum of 10 per cent of work on the project will be by apprentices, trainees and young Indigenous people.

According to the statement, Master Builders Association of the ACT calculates major projects in the ACT generate seven jobs for every $1m invested.

“The estimated investment of $281 million in the building will support about 2000 jobs over the life of the project, 10 per cent of which will be filled by apprentices and Indigenous Canberrans,” the statement said.

“The office block combined with the ACT Government’s plan to rejuvenate Northbourne Avenue will help to make light rail more feasible and help create jobs for thousands of Canberrans on projects which deliver low emission transport and low emission buildings.

“On top of this, the office block will help ensure we can sustainably deliver government services, by helping us attract and retain the most skilled public servants and by defraying the impact of price increases in energy costs – savings that can be directed to frontline services for the people of Canberra.”

The proposed office block has recieved constant resistance from the ACT Liberals who last brought to light that government consultant documents recommended the government spend $4.3m on public art for the proposed building.

“Instead of focussing on delivering core services and taking the cost burden off Canberra families, Katy Gallagher and her Government are planning grand office accommodation adorned with millions in public art,” leader of the opposition Zed Seselja said.