Hastings Deering inductees show strength of Queensland economy

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad have welcomed a record 48 new apprentices who today started their training at mining and construction giant Hastings Deering.

The trainees come from across Queensland and beyond, comprise the largest group in four years, and beat a record field to secure their apprenticeships.

“Today is a testament to the economic strength of our great state,” said the Premier.

“When Hastings Deering opened its 2018 online intake it received more than 1,000 applications in the first 24 hours, and more than 1,800 by the time applications closed.

“The men and women here today come from Cairns, Mount Isa, Townsville, Mackay, Toowoomba and Brisbane, as well as the Northern Territory and PNG.

The group includes indigenous trainees, and applicants from a range of age groups, who will be employed as fitters, electricians, boilermakers and fabricators.”

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the quality and volume of applicants was testament to the growing strength of the Queensland economy.

“Queensland has been the employment powerhouse of the Australian economy over the past year, with 1 in 4 jobs nationwide being created in our state,” Ms Trad.

“Our economic plan is working to get people into apprenticeship and into work by creating confidence in the private sector to take on new people.

“It’s incredibly alarming that this great work being put in danger by the slash and burn approach of the Turnbull Government, who seem intent on ripping off Queensland.”

The Premier said Hastings Deering had long been a great example of the importance of apprenticeships and training.

"At this time of year, tens of young Queenslanders who’ve just left school are embarking on the training and education that will set them up for lifelong careers,” the Premier said.

“They would be shocked to learn that Malcom Turnbull is preparing to rip $40 million in funding from Queensland after the Federal Government allowed the National Partnership Agreement on Skills Reform to lapse last year.

“That funding cut puts at risk up to 4,000 training places for Queenslanders – paths to rewarding, fulfilling long term careers that will no longer exist if Malcolm Turnbull has his way.

“These cuts to skills training are just part of a wider federal assault on Queensland’s fair share of funding – for training, for schools, for hospitals and roads.

“This cohort of apprentices demonstrates the importance of regional Queensland.

“This is the only state in Australia where more than half the population lives outside the capital city.

“It seems Malcolm Turnbull and the LNP simply don’t understand the challenge of delivering quality essential services across so many regional and remote communities.

“Queenslanders have borne the brunt of cuts from Tony Abbott and Campbell Newman.

“At COAG this week I will have a clear message for Malcolm Turnbull – it’s time to come clean on whether you’re willing to give Queensland its fair share of funding.”

Media Contact:

Premier’s Office:                   Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875

Deputy Premier’s Office:     Clare Manton  0432 446 268