Published Thursday, 18 December, 2008 at 01:33 PM

Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh

BLIGH TAKES FURTHER ACTION TO PROTECT JOBS IN REGIONAL QLD

The Bligh Government will bring forward $25 million in funds to boost employment in regional areas affected by the mining downturn caused by the global economic crisis.

The accelerated funding, from the Sustainable Resource Communities (SRC) support package, was originally allocated for the 2009-10 financial year and will be earmarked for regional capital projects that provide maximum employment.

It is expected to generate over 500 jobs over the next 12 months.

The announcement followed a tripartite meeting of government, industry and unions this morning. The Premier also announced:

  • A Rapid Response Flying Squad – a mobile team of cross-agency representatives that will travel to affected areas to offer support to displaced workers;
  • Establishment of a 1800 workers assistance helpline to provide a single point of contact for government assistance and support.
  • A streamlined process for state government approvals of new mines to ensure companies in a position to expand can do so without unnecessary delay; and
  • The development of an apprentice assistance package to protect apprenticeships and traineeships; and
  • Establishment of a tripartite group – government, industry and unions – that will convene weekly to oversee a joint response to the effect of the current downturn on the industry. This will be chaired by Mines Minister Geoff Wilson.

These are in addition to the $20 million safety net program for apprenticeships and traineeships and the doubling of the Queensland Workers Assistance Program to $10 million – announced earlier this month in Gladstone.

“This week, we have begun to see the global financial crisis take hold of the Queensland economy,” Ms Bligh said.

“These tough times mean all parties – government, industry and unions – have to pull together to secure the future of this important industry and to minimise the pain caused to families as a result of the downturn.

“While I am optimistic about our ability to bounce back from this downturn faster than others, my focus right now is protecting Queensland jobs.

“We have seen more than 500 Queenslanders lose their jobs a week before Christmas, and they will not be the last.

“Today’s package has a dual focus – supporting affected workers now and making smart decisions for the longer-term to ensure the State is ready to bounce back at the earliest possible opportunity.

“In particular, I have urged the mining industry to do everything they can to protect skilled workers, particularly apprenticeships and traineeships.

“We have seen a significant increase in the number of completed apprenticeships and traineeships over recent years, but they are often the first positions to be let go in an economic downturn.

“Our apprentices and trainees are the skills of the future and to avoid a skills shortage on the other side of this crisis we have to maintain them.

“The Government’s support package will focus on:

  • maintaining the number of apprenticeships and traineeships being commenced;
  • maintaining apprentices and trainees in training (eg through helping to find alternative employers to take on apprentices);
  • assisting cancelled apprentices and trainees; and
  • Upskilling recently completed apprentices and trainees.

Ms Bligh said this package was being developed in consultation with employers and unions.

The $25 million in SRC funding will be allocated in consultation with regional councils and the Queensland Resources Council and prioritiseprojects that:

  • are in locations where jobs are being lost;
  • require the skills available as a result of job losses in the mining sector; and
  • can be commenced and provide employment in 2008-09.

These projects are expected to be announced in January 2009 with a view to start construction as early as possible.

The Premier also agreed to streamline government approvals for new mines.

“This is not about cutting corners. Applications will still be rigorously assessed, but I have directed the relevant government agencies to streamline the process to ensure any company with a capacity to expand and boost employment is able to do so as quickly as possible.”

Ms Bligh said the Government would continue to support displaced workers.

“I know there are a lot of Queenslander families facing a very bleak Christmas and my Government will support them any way we can,” she said.

“Today, we have supplied unions with information for their members seeking government assistance.

“The factsheets, and a newly established workers assistance line will ensure sacked workers have direct access to advice on what support is available to them.

“We have also established a Rapid Response Flying Squad, a cross-agency team that will travel to affected areas to provide immediate advice and support to retrenched workers,” she said.

WORKERS ASSISTANCE LINE: FREE CALL 1800 035 749

Thursday, 18 December 2008

Media: 3224 4500 (Premier’s office)