Premier calls on Australians to “Work in Paradise” with new tourism campaign

The Palaszczuk Government will today launch a multi-million-dollar campaign to lure thousands of workers from across Australia to take a tourism job in regional Queensland.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today announced a $7.5 million package to address a critical shortage of workers at tourism businesses in regional Queensland.

“We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. This campaign will give Queenslanders and other Australians even more reasons to come to work in paradise,” the Premier said.

“Thanks to the way Queenslanders have responded to the pandemic, our economy has started to rebuild.

“But right across regional Queensland, there is strong demand for workers.

“From chefs, waiters and bartenders through to tour guides and deckhands on the Great Barrier Reef, there are plenty of great jobs up for grabs.”

Rebuilding Queensland's tourism industry is an important part of the government's economic recovery plan.

The Premier said the government would deliver a $1500 incentive and free travel for workers taking up a tourism job in regional Queensland from Mackay north to our tropical hot spots to west of Toowoomba, including the outback. 

“Grab your friends and take a tourism job to work in paradise – that’s the message we’re sending to thousands of Queensland and Australian jobseekers,” the Premier said.

“Work in Paradise will bring people from across Australia and the state to join Team Queensland to help this critical industry do what they love to do best – give people a great holiday in our great state.

“Competition for workers is at an all-time high in tourism and hospitality and we want to give people the best chance there is to work, play and live in our top travel spots in regional Queensland.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $800 million to support the tourism industry through the pandemic.

“Our Good to Go campaign and Holiday Dollars travel vouchers are helping to reignite demand for great Queensland holiday experiences and short break getaways,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“More domestic visitors and the ongoing closure of the international border mean tourism operators need more workers to deliver world-class experiences. 

“Work in Paradise is designed to help ease the work force shortage facing many tourism hotspots, while delivering jobs for Queenslanders and Australians.

“In addition to the $1500 cash incentive for jobseekers to relocate for employment in the tourism industry, we’re also offering a $250 travel bonus to help workers to travel there.

“We know there are accommodation shortages in some regions but we’re working with industry to help workers find an affordable place to call home.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to work, live and play in some of Queensland’s great holiday destinations.”

Work in Paradise is the latest in a series of campaigns being delivered by the Palaszczuk Government as part of the state's comprehensive plan for economic recovery - supporting tourism operators to rebuild and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

Assistant Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy said Work in Paradise would send a clear message there were thousands of tourism jobs available in Queensland.

“Queensland is the best place to look for a job in paradise – it has location, lifestyle and an exciting tourism industry,” Mr Healy said.

“While Work in Paradise will connect jobseekers with jobs, it could also provide a pathway to a long-term career in the tourism industry in your dream location.

“There’s an abundance of opportunity when you Work in Paradise.”

The incentive program starts from July 1.

For more information or to register interest, visit qld.gov.au/workinparadise

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Media contact:
Jack Harbour (Premier’s office) 0419 620 447
Darren Roberts (Tourism Minister’s office) 0427 475 089