Gold Coast leads way on job creation

The Gold Coast is leading Queensland on job creation, Treasurer and Minister for Employment Curtis Pitt said.

Mr Pitt said today’s ABS regional jobs data for April shows the Gold Coast had the largest annual growth in employment in Queensland during April, with 14,100 jobs added.

“This is an encouraging result for the Gold Coast as the local economy continues to bounce back and business confidence increases,” he said.

“The labour force participation rate on the Gold Coast was also up 2.1 percentage points in the year to April in a sign that more people are looking for jobs as employment prospects pick up.

“These figures show exactly why Queensland needs a government that’s committed to job creation.

“Queenslanders paid a high price for Campbell Newman’s job cuts, with young people and those in the regions in particular bearing the brunt of his slash and burn tactics.”

Mr Pitt said it was pleasing to see the clear focus in Tuesday night’s Federal Budget on tackling youth unemployment.

“Queensland Labor is committed to getting more Queenslanders back to work and we’re doing that through our Working Queensland plan,” he said.

“Our strategy focuses on job-creating projects and growing the economy, which is the best way to tackle unemployment and provide more employment opportunities in the regions.”

According to ABS regional labour force data for April 2015, youth unemployment on the Gold Coast in April was 14.4 per cent – broadly in line with the statewide youth unemployment rate.

Mr Pitt said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to tackling youth unemployment.

“To give young Queenslanders the job opportunities they deserve, we’ve reinstated a payroll tax rebate for apprentices and trainees,” he said.

“This is part of a comprehensive employment strategy to tackle unemployment and create more jobs.

“It includes supporting up to 32,000 Queenslanders back into a job – particularly the young and long-term unemployed – by investing $240 Million in Skilling Queenslanders For Work.

“To grow the knowledge-based jobs of the future we are also investing in Advance Queensland research fellowships.”

Mr Pitt said there was a shift towards full-time employment growth in Queensland.

“Overall, trend full-time employment rose 5,300 in Queensland in April 2015, while the trend unemployment rate was steady at 6.6 per cent,” he said.

“Labor will continue to fight for jobs, growth and economic development.”

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