Back to Work jobseeker officer for Townsville to support jobseekers

A Back to Work jobseeker officer has been appointed for North Queensland as the Palaszczuk Government rolls out its $100 million regional jobs package.

Employment Minister Grace Grace said the new Back to Work Jobseeker Officer joins the Employer Officer to finalise the Back to Work Team for North Queensland.

Together the team will help connect local jobseekers with training pathways and job opportunities.

“Our $100 million Back to Work regional jobs package aims to provide support for jobseekers and employers to navigate the training and employment system and access jobs in a more diversified economy,” 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 jobseekers in North Queensland to take advantage of our Back to Work initiative by getting the advice and support they need.”

Ms Grace said Back to Work officers are being progressively rolled out in other parts of regional Queensland.

For more information about Back to Work, visit www.qld.gov.au/backtowork or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Media Contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548