Economic plan continues to generate jobs

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, Curtis Pitt, says the Palaszczuk Government’s economic plan is working to lift growth, build confidence, foster innovation and investment, and generate jobs now and for the future. 

“We recognise there is more to do, particularly in our regional communities, to ensure our growth is more inclusive as our State transitions to a post‑mining boom economy,” Mr Pitt told State Parliament today. 

“I can give Queenslanders a commitment that the Palaszczuk Government will continue its job-creating efforts each and every day. 

“Through our economic plan and three State Budgets, we are continuing to deliver on our commitment to boost growth; restore confidence; encourage innovation and investment; and create jobs.” 

Mr Pitt said the results could be seen in recent ABS figures showing Queensland’s trend unemployment rate was steady in July at 6.3% — down from the 6.6% inherited from the LNP and the 6.7% peak it hit for four months in 2014. 

“But the big take-out is that the latest figures show 94,500 net new jobs created since the last election. 

“That’s 3,150 net new jobs created on average each month since January 2015 — including 500 full-time jobs. 

“The 94,500 net new jobs created by the Palaszczuk Labor Government is more than three times those under the Newman-Nicholls LNP government.” 

Mr Pitt said the government’s economic plan was also generating higher economic growth with the recent Queensland State Accounts showing trend GSP growth at 1.2% in the March quarter, or 3.9% higher over the previous 12 months compared with the LNP’s 1.4% in 2014-15. 

“A vital ingredient in growth — business confidence — has been rebuilt,” Mr Pitt said. 

“The NAB monthly survey shows our state with the highest or second-highest confidence levels in the nation for 29 of the past 31 months. 

“We will continue to create and support jobs through initiatives such as our $42.75 billion capital works program over four years. 

“Our Works for Queensland program; Building our Regions; and our Jobs and Regional Growth Fund are helping to create jobs in regional communities. 

“Programs such as our Advance Queensland Industry Attraction Fund; Market Led Proposals; and the Business Development Fund are playing their part right across our state. 

“There are now eight MLPs that have progressed to stage two or to final approval worth a total of more than $1 billion and generating more than 1,800 jobs in construction. 

“Our Business Development Fund has so far seen the government invest $14.9 million in 13 firms — matched by private sector co-investors — to help them take their bright ideas to markets in Australia and around the world. 

“Firms like legal software developer Lawcadia; online school literacy platform developer Intrepica Group; and maker of electric vehicle chargers Tritium that are all creating jobs of the future. 

“Our Back to Work program has expanded to South East Queensland supporting employers hiring unemployed jobseekers including those aged 15-24. 

“Back to Work had an original target of 8,000 jobs over two years but has seen more than 6,500 Queenslanders secure jobs since July 2016,” he said. 

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