Queensland - Adelaide Mitsubishi workers lifeline: Bligh

Queensland offers the displaced Adelaide Mitsubishi workers a lifeline for future job considerations, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said today.

“News that the Adelaide Mitsubishi plant is to close by the end of March will hit families hard and we sympathise with the 1000 workers,” said the Premier.

The Premier said that when the dust had settled and affected families were assessing options, she hoped Queensland’s need for skilled workers and its cherished lifestyle would be a lifeline for those affected.

“We’ve got Queensland employers screaming for workers - especially in our regions.

“There are major projects happening in Central Queensland, Far North Queensland, Mackay as well the Surat Basin and Northern Economic Triangle and they are all looking for workers.

“Queensland has jobs. It is an ideal place to bring up a family and we have a cherished lifestyle,” she said.

“I have asked Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Desley Boyle to lead a push to attract the displaced workers.

The push includes:

• The State Government’s Migration and Skills Recruitment Queensland establishing a shop-front presence in the affected communities,
• a direct line for the Mitsubishi workers to call Migration Skills Recruitment Queensland who will direct-link them with potential employers, especially in regional areas. [07 3405 6512]
• The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (AMWU) and the Australian Industry Group (AIG) will work with the Queensland Government to identify employment and business-related opportunities as well. 
• Development of a supporting advertising campaign including weblinks. 

Ms Boyle said that Queensland’s manufacturing sector has been growing strongly, going against the Australian trend, and even more growth is expected.

“With 5.8% average annual growth in the state’s industry over the past five years, Queensland has lifted its share of national manufacturing activity, adding more jobs to build a workforce of more than 192,000 in the sector.

“Jobs are going begging right across Queensland from Cairns to Coolangatta and we are keen for the Mitsubishi workers to take a moment to check out relevant websites and find out what Queensland had to offer.

“The State Government’s www.workliveplay.qld.gov.au site offers information on the skills required in each of Queensland’s regions.

“For example in Cairns and the Far North of the State there are jobs available for engineers, electrical trades people, panel beaters, metal fabricators, machinists and mechanics as well as a range of other professionals,” Ms Boyle said.

“This website also has valuable links to private and government job sites, so it’s well worth a look.”

“Our State economy is going great guns, and that’s providing opportunities across a range of industries from building and construction through to manufacturing, tourism and a range of service industries,” she said.

Media contact: Minister’s Office 32251005