Published Wednesday, 21 January, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Minister for Tourism, Regional Development and Industry
The Honourable Desley Boyle
Rapid Response Team assisting refinery workers in Townsville
The State Government has mobilised the Rapid Response Team following today’s announcement by BHP Billiton that the workforce at its Yabulu Refinery, 25km north of Townsville is to be reduced by 350 workers.
Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle said extra members of the Flying Squad would join the permanent team in Townsville on Thursday 22 January 2009 offering support and assistance to affected workers.
Since the beginning of January, the Rapid Response Team has been deployed to Emerald and Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, Mt Isa and Cairns.
"There is no doubt that Queensland is feeling the effects of a global economic crisis but I am determined that as a Government we will protect Queenslanders' jobs wherever possible," Ms Boyle said.
"We have hit the ground running to get these retrenched workers back into the workforce as soon as possible.”
"The announcement from BHP Billiton confirms what we already knew - the global financial crisis is hurting Queensland.
"That is why the Government is committed to keeping the motor running in the economy by pressing ahead with our $17 billion capital works plan for 2009.
"The loss of 350 jobs in Townsville could have a massive impact on families if we don't act quickly.
"The Bligh Government will support those families in any way we can."
Ms Boyle said the Rapid Response Team would be overseen by a tripartite group of government, industry and unions.
"One of the key roles of the team will be to help workers identify their full skill set – to help them explore other opportunities in other industries and get them working again," she said.
"The team will also give workers information about available assistance to make the transition to new employment."
Member for Thuringowa Craig Wallace said that Townsville was a tough city with a strong and diverse economy, however this did not make it immune to the Global Financial Crisis.
“There are many local families reliant on the mines and we must do everything we can to help them during this tough time,” Mr Wallace said.
“I really encourage local workers and families who have any questions about what Federal and State Government assistance is available to call the Bligh Government’s workers assistance freecall line on 1800 035 749.
“I know our local community will band together support affected workers and their families during this challenging time.”
The Rapid Response Team are located in Townsville at the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Regional Centre, Floor 1, Enterprise House Corner The Strand & Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville QLD 4810.
Workers assistance line: freecall 1800 035 749
Media contact:
3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
3224 2007 or 0437 436 914
Member for Thuringowa - 3896 3689
Regional Development and Industry Minister Desley Boyle said extra members of the Flying Squad would join the permanent team in Townsville on Thursday 22 January 2009 offering support and assistance to affected workers.
Since the beginning of January, the Rapid Response Team has been deployed to Emerald and Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville, Mt Isa and Cairns.
"There is no doubt that Queensland is feeling the effects of a global economic crisis but I am determined that as a Government we will protect Queenslanders' jobs wherever possible," Ms Boyle said.
"We have hit the ground running to get these retrenched workers back into the workforce as soon as possible.”
"The announcement from BHP Billiton confirms what we already knew - the global financial crisis is hurting Queensland.
"That is why the Government is committed to keeping the motor running in the economy by pressing ahead with our $17 billion capital works plan for 2009.
"The loss of 350 jobs in Townsville could have a massive impact on families if we don't act quickly.
"The Bligh Government will support those families in any way we can."
Ms Boyle said the Rapid Response Team would be overseen by a tripartite group of government, industry and unions.
"One of the key roles of the team will be to help workers identify their full skill set – to help them explore other opportunities in other industries and get them working again," she said.
"The team will also give workers information about available assistance to make the transition to new employment."
Member for Thuringowa Craig Wallace said that Townsville was a tough city with a strong and diverse economy, however this did not make it immune to the Global Financial Crisis.
“There are many local families reliant on the mines and we must do everything we can to help them during this tough time,” Mr Wallace said.
“I really encourage local workers and families who have any questions about what Federal and State Government assistance is available to call the Bligh Government’s workers assistance freecall line on 1800 035 749.
“I know our local community will band together support affected workers and their families during this challenging time.”
The Rapid Response Team are located in Townsville at the Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry Regional Centre, Floor 1, Enterprise House Corner The Strand & Sir Leslie Thiess Drive, Townsville QLD 4810.
Workers assistance line: freecall 1800 035 749
Media contact:
3225 1005 or 0419 025 326
3224 2007 or 0437 436 914
Member for Thuringowa - 3896 3689