State Budget will spend big on skills, training and jobs for Queenslanders

The Palaszczuk Government’s State Budget will allocate $460 million in a big boost for job skills, training, and an assistance program for businesses to hire the unemployed.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program has helped more than 36,000 people into jobs.

“Supporting skills training is part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery,” the Premier said.

“The $320 million funding provided in the State Budget ensures this successful training initiative is retained.

“In fact, 73 per cent of Skilling Queenslanders for Work participants have gone onto secure employment or further training.

“The funding commitment for four years ensures disadvantaged Queenslanders can gain skills, qualifications and experience to join and remain in the workforce.

“Another $140 million will also go towards a revitalised Back to Work program.

“I want to ensure small business owners have the capability to not only create jobs but they can access a skilled workforce to fill them.”

Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said that the $140 million over four years for a revitalised Back to Work program would make a real difference.

“It has already helped more than 25,000 people get into work, and this substantial investment will help thousands more,” the Treasurer said.

“The program assists businesses to take on unemployed Queenslanders. 

“More elements have been added to the program including mentoring, training guidance, and support to obtain a drivers licence or a blue card.

“We are committed to tackling youth unemployment. That’s why Back to Work focuses on young people. And this is on top of our investment in free TAFE and free apprenticeships, which have supported over 34,200 young Queenslanders so far.

“Our Big Plans for Small Business Strategy, announced yesterday, also outlines how $140 million of support for small businesses - committed as part of the December 2020 State Budget - will be delivered over two years, including holding a Workforce Summit later this year.

“This is a crucial investment in the future of our small business sector plus the job seekers and workers to drive Queensland’s economic recovery.”

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Di Farmer said the government’s initiatives come after talking with operators during the Small Business Roadshow earlier this year.

“Their number one issue along with industry groups is being able to recruit and retain workers including those with the right skillsets,” Minister Farmer said. 

“So, investing nearly half a billion dollars into our training and employment schemes has the potential to change so many lives for the better.

“The Workforce Summit is all important to ensuring Queensland keeps on growing strongly.

“COVID has been a great disrupter. We must work together to navigate the new economic landscape. New thinking and planning is required.

“The Workforce Summit with industry and business leaders, major employers and training providers will identify ways to assist industry to get the workforces they need.

“The Summit will highlight innovative approaches where industry is working with local communities and government to address workforce shortages.

“Our Big Plans for Small Business Strategy aims to ensure the small business sector has the backing it needs, and that Queenslanders can get the skills and support they require to get the right job.”

To access information on Skilling Queenslanders for Work visit www.training.qld.gov.au/sqw

To access information on Back to Work visit www.backtowork.initiatives.qld.gov.au

To access the Big Plans for Small Business Strategy visitwww.desbt.qld.gov.au/smallbusinessstrategy 

ENDS

Media contact:

Treasurer’s Office:                       Geoff Breusch         0417 272 875

Minister Farmer’s Office:              Kate Talbot             0439 803 211