Palaszczuk Government supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobs

The Palaszczuk Government is delivering on its commitment to support jobs and frontline services on Thursday Island.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni said a new 13-residence complex on the corner of John Street and Dauan Lane is supporting local jobs during its construction phase with 39 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees currently working on the project.

“This $9.185 million project, now 80 per cent complete, has involved close consultation with the local community to maximise local employment, training and business supply opportunities,” said Mr de Brenni, who visited the site today.

“And importantly, payments to these tradies have been protected under the Queensland Government’s project bank account system,” he said.

“PBA’s help ensure people are paid on time, in full and every time for the work they perform.

“Having now successfully trialled PBAs for government projects valued at $1 million to $10 million, we will be rolling them out over the next 24 months so that they apply to all Queensland building projects valued at over $1 million.”

Mr de Brenni said the Thursday Island project has supported jobs for local builders, carpenters, plumbers, painters and electricians.

“When finished, it will provide housing for essential government workers including doctors and nurses, police officers and teachers,” he said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to delivering infrastructure for all Queenslanders, no matter where they live.

“If you’re a Queenslander that commits your life to support Queenslanders, we’re supporting you.”

“That’s why our government proudly houses frontline service workers in the most remote corners of the state.”

Mr de Brenni said housing of an appropriate standard is essential to attract and retain skilled workers to remote communities.

“This is particularly important on Thursday Island – the administrative centre for all islands between Cape York and the Papua New Guinea mainland,” he said.

The project is being built by Robert Clarke Builders, which is based on Thursday Island.

Company representative Jodie Turton said it is supporting the jobs and ongoing training of local tradespeople and apprentices.

“Construction projects like this are really important to our community, where suitable land is sometimes scarce and rental options limited,” she said.

“Not only are our tradies getting the skills they need, there’s flow-on effects right throughout our local economy.”

The 13-home project was funded through an $82.7 million Queensland Government commitment in June 2017 to deliver 113 new government employee housing projects.

Last year, the Queensland committed a further $34.9 million toward the construction, maintenance and upgrade of housing for frontline workers in remote communities.

ENDS

Media contact: Richard O'Leary 0447155332