Jobs Queensland leading path to future employment

The Palaszczuk Government has announced an important element of its plan to create jobs and drive Queensland’s future economic prosperity. 

Following a widely advertised expression of interest and a direct nomination process for representative roles, Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath has revealed the final composition of the members of Jobs Queensland.

“Jobs Queensland plays an important role in providing advice on priority and emerging skills needs, future workforce planning and the apprenticeship and traineeship system in Queensland,” said Mrs D’Ath. 

“We have assembled a strong and diverse group of members who are passionate about Queensland’s employment future.

“Jobs Queensland will deliver a voice for industry, the regions and the community on these issues.”

The members representing employer and employee organisations are:

•          Mr Daniel Gschwind from the Queensland Tourism Industry Council;
•          Ms Kristine Skippington representing the National Retail Association;
•          Mr David Norris representing the Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
•          Ms Charis Mullen from the Australian Workers’ Union;
•          Mr Rohan Webb from the AMWU;
•          Ms Jennifer Thomas from the Services Union.

These appointees provide a wide range of experience across industries, skill-sets and regions.

Additional expert members with a mix of skills relevant to Jobs Queensland are:

•          Mr Peter Henneken, who has vast experience in labour market and skilling issues and has been recognised for his contribution to the training sector;
•          Ms Tamilyn Brennan, who has extensive experience in employment, training and Indigenous initiatives in regional locations;
•          Mr Alan Sparks, who has detailed knowledge of and experience in the VET sector and group training organisations;
•          Professor Paul Boreham, Emeritus Professor from the University of Queensland;
•          Dr Scott Davis, who has a comprehensive background in workforce development, education and health in regional locations has also been appointed.

Mrs D’Ath said the work that Jobs Queensland has undertaken to date shows it has an important role in coordinating and advising on workforce issues for Queensland.

“Tellingly, all members of the interim reference group expressed interest in continuing their great work and will provide continuity for the new board,” said Mrs D’Ath.

“Their commitment will help ensure that the work Jobs Queensland has been undertaking since January will be utilised into the future.

Jobs Queensland has worked with industry stakeholders including Energy Skills Qld, Master Electricians Australia, Construction Skills Qld, Qld Resources Council, Motor Trades Association Qld among others.

It has met and is working with the NDIS implementation team, the Queens Wharf consortium, Advancing Qld Tourism Strategy, 2018 Commonwealth Games, TAFE Qld, and the Advancing Qld Industry Roadmaps across sectors such as Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing.

Ms Rachel Hunter, a highly eminent figure in the Queensland VET sector, was formally appointed as the Chair of Jobs Queensland on 14 July 2016 for a three year term.

“I look forward to engaging with members on these issues and supporting this vital work into the future,” said Mrs D’Ath.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members for providing strategic industry advice to Government on skills demand and future workforce planning.”

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