Miles Government $1.5 billion investment to drive opportunities for the next generation

• Record $1.5 billion investment to further support skills, training, employment and small business development across Queensland
• Budget measures further support the Miles Labor Government’s landmark Queensland Skills Strategy – the biggest skills and training reform in almost a decade 
• The Budget also includes more support and investment in Queensland’s 482,000 small businesses

The first budget under new Premier Steven Miles delivers record support for skills, training, employment and small business – set to open doors for thousands of Queenslanders.

A range of grants, subsidies, employment programs and support measures will ensure more Queenslanders can access good, secure jobs and new and established small businesses can create jobs, grow, and thrive.

2024-25 Queensland Budget highlights for the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training include:

• additional funding of $203.1 million over two years, as part of a total investment of $370 million funding to help kickstart the new Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024–2028 funding more free and subsidised training for Queenslanders in health, social services, hospitality, clean energy, construction and other priority areas.
• $101.7 million Big Build investment over four years to maintain TAFE Queensland classrooms, technology, and specialised learning facilities.
• $81.2 million in the 2024-25 Queensland Budget with total funding of $162.6 million over three years for Free TAFE Nursing by providing training placements to allow eligible Queenslanders who are passionate about healthcare to study the Diploma of Nursing for free in 2024 and 2025.
• Additional funding of $19.7 million to support delivery of the Queensland Small Business Strategy 2024-2027. This forms part of a total investment of over $250 million over three years to deliver a range of actions, including:
  • additional funding for grants to support businesses to implement workforce solutions
  • new investment in cybersecurity support and safer retail precincts
  • assistance to help small businesses recover from natural disaster events, including through wellness coaching and financial counselling
  • continuation of the small business grants program
  • expanded access to mentoring and upskilling for Indigenous businesses
  • access to free training under the Free TAFE program to ensure Queenslanders working in small businesses have the skills they need to succeed and grow.
• $11 million over 3 years allocated from the Homes for Queenslanders Plan to support the construction industry workforce to position for the future.
• $240,000 to appoint a Night Life Economy Commissioner to guide support for businesses reliant on active nightlife, including live music venues.

Quotes attributable to the Premier Steven Miles:

“When I became Premier I set my sights on creating generational opportunity for Queenslanders.

“That means planning, supporting and creating the jobs, training and career pathways of the future.

“I’m putting my plans into action – to support continued employment growth, and ensure more Queenslanders can get well-paid jobs, in high-demand industries.

“I recently released the Queensland Skills Strategy, which represent my vision for a well-equipped workforce, supporting a stronger economy.

“And now, this Budget supports that vision – with new and extended funding for more skills, better training facilities, and tailored small business support.”

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:

“Our 2024-25 State Budget is all about delivering the cost-of-living relief Queenslanders deserve.

“The best way for Queenslanders to face cost of living pressures is to have a good well-paying job that also improves the State’s productivity.

“That’s why in this year’s Budget, there is a record $1.5 billion investment to help Queenslanders upskill themselves and small businesses create better employment opportunities.

“By providing more fee-free and subsidised training, and greater support for small businesses – including a major boost to their cyber security – we’re empowering Queenslanders to gain new skills, build a bigger workforce, and keep innovating and achieving.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Lance McCallum:

“The Queensland Government is backing more skills, more jobs, and more diverse and resilient small businesses through a record $1.5 billion investment in the State Budget.

“This investment recognises the outstanding results we’re already delivering for Queensland jobseekers, small businesses, and workforces in priority sectors like health and construction.

“Thanks to groundbreaking training programs like Free TAFE and Skilling Queenslanders for Work, and grant programs like Business Basics, Business Boost, and the Business Growth Fund – we’re providing cost of living relief, putting money back into the pockets of Queenslanders when they need it.

“This Budget is going even further, to back Queenslanders who provide essential services – including our proud TAFE teachers, our next generation of nurses, and hardworking small business owners at the heart of local communities.

“With new and extended funding on the table, we’ll create more opportunities for Queenslanders to train and upskill, secure a good job, and contribute to a diverse and dynamic Queensland economy.”      

Explainer/fast fact and or further information:

For more information on the 2024-25 State Budget go to www.budget.qld.gov.au

For more information on the Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024 – 2028, visit www.qld.gov.au/SkillsStrategy