Cairns employment forum focus aims to kickstart jobs in FNQ

Employment Minister Grace Grace today met with community leaders and businesses in Cairns to discuss how government and the community can work together to generate more jobs for people in Far North Queensland. 

Ms Grace said that job creation was the Palaszczuk Government’s top priority, with 51,000 jobs created since the January 2015 election. 

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

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

“The Queensland Government is a major employer in Far North Queensland, employing more than 16,000 people to deliver vital frontline services. 

“We’re also investing $443.8 million on infrastructure improvements in the Far North in 2015-16, supporting 1,000 jobs. 

“In addition to supporting jobs, our capital works program is delivering the improved schools, roads and hospitals of the future.” 

Ms Grace said today’s forum participants shared ideas which will be used to inform the Government’s future employment policies and programs. 

“We are committed to working with communities to achieve better outcomes, including here in Far North Queensland,” she said. 

“I’ll continue to listen to Queensland businesses about ways we can support more people to find and keep meaningful jobs. 

“We want local businesses in the far North to help us shape the future employment policies and initiatives and drive jobs growth for local people. 

“As Employment Minister, I’ll continue to work with the Far North Queensland community to generate more jobs locally.” 

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548