Virtual conference arises from the ashes

'Is this as good as it gets?', the 8th National Unemployment Conference to be hosted by Southern Cross University on 23-25 September at Ballina RSL Club, has been cancelled because a number of key speakers withdrew unexpectedly and uncertainty arose over airline services.

However a selection of the key papers for the event - which was to be the first of its kind held in a regional centre - will be posted to the conference's dedicated web site.

"We had an exciting program lined up, with contributions from academics, national and regional politicians, and unemployed people sponsored by local organisations," said Conference Convenor, Dr Leonie Jennings.

"Unfortunately, there was no choice but to cancel the event. However for a period of three weeks, online respondents will be able to react to the ideas that were to be presented at the conference".

Dr. Jennings said the issue remained alive and the conference organisers had some positive news for those interested in exploring the issues. She invited interested members of the public to visit the conference web site at:

http://norsearch.scu.edu.au/unemploymentconf2001/

For further details, please contact Dr. Leonie Jennings on (02) 6620 3614 or Mr. Robin Osborne, Media Liaison, on (02) 6620 3039