Gladstone forum to target local employment

Employment Minister Grace Grace will today meet with business and community leaders in Gladstone to discuss employment issues and how government and the community can work together to generate more jobs.

Minister Grace is in Gladstone as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s first Community Cabinet of 2016.

“We have a plan to create more jobs and get more Queenslanders back to work,” Ms Grace said.

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

Over recent years, the Fitzroy region’s economy has become more diversified with the labour market undergoing something of a transition.

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

Ms Grace said the employment forum would help local business and community leaders understand the Queensland Government’s programs, and to identify new opportunities and initiatives for local job creation.

“Today’s forum will provide the Gladstone community with an opportunity to inform and shape future employment policies and initiatives,” she said.

Ms Grace said that more than 60,000 jobs have been created in Queensland since the State Election in January last year.

The trend unemployment rate is the lowest it has been for two years, at 5.9 per cent – the equal second lowest of any state, behind NSW.

“Youth and regional unemployment remain priority areas for the government and we’re committed to achieving better employment outcomes in the regions,” she said.

“We will continue to listen and provide opportunities for Queensland businesses, local government and the community to tell us what they need to support more Queenslanders getting jobs.

The Palaszczuk Government’s next employment forum will be held in Mackay on Friday 26 February.

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548