Jobs growth continues in Queensland

More than 6,000 new jobs were created in Queensland in July, according to data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today.

That takes the total number of jobs created under the Palaszczuk Government since 2015 to 216,100.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the additional jobs were a welcome sign following her government’s record $49.5 billion investment in infrastructure in this year’s budget.

“Of the jobs created in July, more than 4,000 were full-time, and we know every job is important,” the Premier said.

“That is why my government is committed to building the schools, roads and hospitals providing the infrastructure Queensland needs and the jobs people want.”

ABS data shows the 0.1 percentage point rise in the trend unemployment rate to 6.4% was outstripped by the 0.2 percentage point rise in employment.

Seasonally adjusted unemployment fell by 0.1 percentage points to 6.4%.

Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the rise in the participation rate was especially pleasing.

“In July we saw the participation rate in Queensland rise 0.1% to 66.0%, an increase of 0.3% on a year ago,” Ms Trad said.

“That means more Queenslanders are entering the workforce or looking to enter the workforce – every one of those jobs makes life a bit more comfortable for a Queenslander and their family.

“Initiatives like our changes to payroll tax will encourage small and medium businesses and regional businesses of all sizes to put on more workers, by:

• Increasing the tax-free threshold for payroll tax from $1.1m to $1.3m; and
• Reducing the rate of payroll tax by 1% for all businesses with 85% of their workforce in regional Queensland.

“We know these businesses spread across regional Queensland are the driving force behind jobs growth.

“That’s why we will continue to work closely with them to ensure we can find jobs for even more Queenslanders.”

Media Contact:                     Geoff Breusch          0417 272 875