Charters Towers employment forum puts job creation in the spotlight

Employment Minister Grace Grace will meet with business and community leaders from Charters Towers today to discuss ideas to generate employment opportunities for local people.

Minister Grace said more needed to be done to improve employment outcomes for the area’s residents and support businesses to grow and prosper.

“Today’s forum is being held together with our Working Queensland Cabinet Committee meeting and will bring together business and community leaders to work out more ways of getting people back to work,” Ms Grace said.

“We’re interested in working with Charters Towers business and community leaders to understand how we can capitalise on growth in industries like health care, community services, accommodation and professional services.

“As a trial site for the National Disability Insurance Scheme, the Charters Towers community is uniquely positioned to capitalise on early employment opportunities, primarily in the disability services sector.

“It is estimated that 13,000 workers will be required throughout the state as a result of the scheme’s implementation.

“While many new employment opportunities will be created in the disability sector, there will be many others created in areas including education, tourism, transport and technology.

“I look forward to working with the local community to foster new ideas and develop practical solutions to local challenges.

“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.

“Youth and regional unemployment remain priority areas for the Queensland Government and we’re working hard to achieve better employment outcomes.”

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548