Back to Work officer for Townsville aims to support local jobs

A Back to Work employer officer has been appointed in Townsville as the Palaszczuk Government rolls out its $100 million regional jobs package.

Employment Minister Grace Grace said the new Back to Work employer officer would help connect local businesses and jobseekers.

“Our $100 million Back to Work regional jobs package aims to support up to 8,000 jobs in regional Queensland,” she said.

“It specifically targets jobseekers and employers outside the southeast corner and includes payments of $10,000 for employers who hire an unemployed worker, rising to $15,000 for the long-term unemployed.

“This is a positive initiative which has been welcomed by regional employers who believe it will deliver a real boost to local economies.

“It’s aimed squarely at regional areas such as North Queensland that are facing significant employment challenges.

“I want to encourage local employers in Townsville and North Queensland to take advantage of our Back to Work initiative by hiring a jobseeker.”

Ms Grace said additional Back to Work officers would be progressively rolled out in other parts of regional Queensland in coming months.

“Regional employers have already expressed strong interest in the scheme and we’re hopeful of a good uptake when applications open on July 29,” she said.

For more information about Back to Work, visit www.qld.gov.au/backtowork or call 13 QGOV (13 7468).

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548