More jobs for Queenslanders

More than 207,000 jobs have been created since the Palasczcuk Government came to office, ABS Labour Force numbers released today confirm.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the ABS data shows 6,200 new jobs were created in Queensland in May this year.

“Queensland’s trend unemployment rate in May was stable in May at 6.0% and remains significantly lower than the one we inherited from the LNP (6.6% off a 6.7% high),” Ms Trad said.

“The Palaszczuk Government has backed more than 200,000 jobs, more than seven times the number of jobs than under the LNP,” Ms Trad said.

“This year’s Budget is all about backing Queensland jobs and these latest figures show that our approach is working.

“That’s why we are choosing to invest $49.5 million in job generating infrastructure, most of which is in our regional communities.

“That’s why we are investing $885 million in payroll tax initiatives to support small and medium businesses and encourage jobs generation and growth.

“And that’s why we are continuing to invest in frontline services that deliver more nurses, police, paramedics, teachers, teachers aides and other essential frontline support staff.

“In the current challenging national and global economic environment, we are standing by working Queenslanders. We have made the choice to back Queensland jobs and we will stay the course.”

Minister for Employment and Small Business Shannon Fentiman said this month’s employment figures showed the investment in job generating initiatives was working.

“We know some Queenslanders are still struggling to find the right opportunity and that’s why our investment in programs such as Back to Work and Skilling Queenslanders for Work is so important,” Ms Fentiman said.

“More than 19,300 Queenslanders have a job through our Back to Work program and over 28,000 Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants have gone on to get a job or further training.”

“This year’s Budget is providing even more support for our small businesses with our increase in the payroll tax threshold from $1.1 million to $1.3 million.

“And further cuts to tax for businesses in regional Queensland and employers who take on an apprentice or trainee.

“Around 13,000 businesses are expected to be better off because of these payroll tax changes, assisting them to grow and create more jobs.”

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