Palaszczuk Government puts Cairns locals first for tourism jobs

Employment Minister Grace Grace will today host a Local Jobs First Roundtable in Cairns, bringing together government and industry to improve the employability of local young people in the tourism industry.

Ms Grace the Palaszczuk Government wanted to maximise employment opportunities for locals in Queensland’s growing tourism sector.

“In 2015-16, the tourism industry contributed $11.5 billion to the Queensland economy and employed 5.8 per cent of the Queensland workforce,” she said.

“In the same year employment in the tourism industry grew by 3.9 per cent.

“There is opportunity to capitalise on this growth in the sector now, and turn it into employment opportunities for local young people.

“That’s why we’re getting industry experts from across Queensland with government in the same room – we want to focus on the positive opportunities presented by Queensland’s tourism growth.

“This is about generating ideas and actions to promote employment outcomes for people in their local area, particularly young people."

Ms Grace said the Cairns Roundtable followed two Local Jobs First Roundtables held earlier this year:

• Townsville – Transitioning Economy – held on 27 April 2017; and
• Bundaberg – Agriculture Industry – held on 17 May 2017;

The Queensland Tourism Workforce Plan 2017‑20 sets a roadmap for preparing for jobs that will be available in the tourism sector in the future. The plan has four key priorities:

• Build the tourism industry profile and attractiveness – The tourism industry to build a distinct brand as a desirable career opportunity.
• Build a sustainable labour pool – Encourage tourism employers to extend their labour pool through programs that are accessible and practical for business owners/managers.
• Build the industry’s capacity to grow and flourish – The industry must take ownership of the shift required in culture to where workplaces value and nurture skills development.
• Build the industry’s capacity to address local issues and develop innovative solutions – to meet visitor demand and support business growth, industry and government need to work together.

“We’ll continue to work with industry to ensure locals come first when it comes to tourism jobs in Queensland,” Ms Grace said.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548