740 Wide Bay people now in jobs

The Palaszczuk Government’s successful Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative has helped 740 people in the Wide Bay region get back into the workforce.

The latest figures come as the hugely successful program has reached a new benchmark, resulting in 10,000 people having secured a job as a result of this initiative.

Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said these results reaffirmed the Palaszczuk Government’s decision to re-establish Skilling Queenslanders for Work, which Tim Nicholls cut as the Newman LNP Government’s Treasurer in 2012.

“In Wide Bay, the Palaszczuk Government has invested about $11.3 million under Skilling Queenslanders for Work for a total 66 projects that has helped people into the workforce, and to go onto further training,” Mr Saunders said.

“As at the end of August, figures show a total 1144 people have completed a Skilling Queenslanders for Work project. 747 people have secured a job and 202 have gone onto further training or returned to school.”

Member for Bundaberg Leanne Donaldson said community projects under Skilling Queenslanders for Work in the Wide Bay region had helped give support to people who were facing barriers.

“The Palaszczuk Government has invested $173.4 million across Queensland under this initiative, which assists job seekers across the state through job readiness training, supported training to earn nationally recognised qualifications and paid traineeships with local councils and not-for-profit organisations,” she said.

“These projects offer tailored support to young people, mature age people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with a disability, and people from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds.”

The Newman-Nicholls LNP Government cut Skilling Queenslanders for Work despite a report by Deloitte finding that for every dollar invested in the program, it generated nearly eight dollars in return.

Ms Donaldson said it was great that Skilling Queenslanders for Work was making a real difference to people’s lives and highlighted the damage of Tim Nicholls’ decision to cut the job creating initiative.

“Through these programs, jobseekers are developing their skills that will ultimately help them stand out during the job application process and make a good start when they get an opportunity.

“It is wonderful to see Skilling Queenslanders for Work is producing fantastic outcomes for people in Wide Bay and across the state.”

Minister for Training and Skills Yvette D’Ath said Skilling Queenslanders for Workfunds skills development, training and job opportunities for unemployed, disengaged or disadvantaged Queenslanders through a suite of targeted skills and training programs.

For further information visit www.training.qld.gov.au/sqw or call 1300 369 935.

Link to the 2012 Deloitte analysis of the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program that was provided to the Newman-Nicholls LNP Government: https://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/economics/articles/evaluation-skilling-queenslanders-for-work-program.html

Media contact: 0437 696 809