Rockhampton forum to target local employment

Treasurer Curtis Pitt will meet today with business and community leaders in Rockhampton to discuss employment issues and how government and the community can work together to generate more jobs.

Mr Pitt said job creation was one of the Palaszczuk Government’s top priorities, with more than 34,500 new jobs created since January’s election.

“Our policy settings are designed to create more jobs and get more Queenslanders back into work,” Mr Pitt said.

“The State Government’s $892 million infrastructure spend in the Fitzroy region in 2015-16 is also supporting an estimated 2,500 local jobs, which is great news for the local economy and local employment.

“As a Treasurer from regional Queensland I am focused on achieving better employment outcomes here in Rockhampton and right across our state.

“We know that over recent years, the Fitzroy region’s economy has become more diversified with the labour market undergoing a transition to meet job requirements. 

“While traditional industries such as agriculture and manufacturing continue to support significant jobs in the region, there has been substantial employment growth in mining and construction, as well as key service industries such as retail trade, accommodation, education and health care.

“We know the local response to our recently introduced payroll tax rebate for apprentices and trainees has been strong with 87 Fitzroy businesses already claiming around $100,000 in rebates to date.”

Attorney-General and Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath said the Palaszczuk Government was focused on achieving better employment outcomes across Queensland.

“We want local businesses to help us shape future employment policies and initiatives and drive jobs growth in the region,” Ms D’Ath said.

“Our Jobs Now, Jobs for the Future employment strategy includes the $1.6 billion Working Queensland jobs package to support businesses, provide skills training and get Queenslanders back to work.

“We will continue to listen and provide opportunities for Queensland businesses to tell us what they need to support more Queenslanders getting jobs.”

The forum is part of a state-wide series of forums. For more information visit:

http://www.treasury.qld.gov.au/projects-infrastructure/initiatives/jobs-now

Media contact: 0419 945 546