Back to Work officers for Cairns to support jobs and training

Back to Work employer and jobseeker officers have been appointed for Far North Queensland as the Palaszczuk Government rolls out its $100 million regional jobs package.

Employment Minister Grace Grace said the new Back to Work officers would help connect local business with jobseekers, and jobseekers with training pathways and job opportunities.

“Our $100 million Back to Work regional jobs package aims to provide support for jobseekers to build confidence and retrain for 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 Far North Queensland that are facing significant employment challenges.

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

“I also want to encourage local jobseekers to take advantage of our Back to Work initiative by getting the training and skills they need.”

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

Businesses who have put on a new staff member in regional Queensland since 1 July 2016 can now apply for an employer support payment.

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