$5.5M investment to grow Queensland’s multicultural workforce

The Palaszczuk Government will continue to help employers to strengthen their workforce by connecting to work-ready migrants, refugees, and international students thanks to a $5.5 million investment.

Visiting Multicultural Australia today (17 October), Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the organisation was one of seven service providers funded to deliver 10 projects under the Diverse Queensland Workforce Program (DQW).

“From our work on the Good People. Good Jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, it is clear that we need to continue to ensure more people are available for our rapidly expanding workforce needs and the Diverse Queensland Workforce Program is a vital part of ensuring we maximise opportunities across the State,” Minster Farmer said.

“This Program has been hugely successful across the state, which is why I’m so pleased to not only continue the program but expand it into three additional regional centres in Queensland and provide more employment opportunities to migrants and refugees throughout the State,” Minister Farmer said.

“Since DQW was established in November 2021, projects have provided direct support to 539 migrants and refugees, connecting them to services, training and work experience to help them get started in a job.

“Queensland’s newest residents require varying degrees of support when it comes to employment and while most are work-ready, they often struggle with system navigation of skills recognition, professional registration and local job markets.

“Equally, employers need support to develop more inclusive work practices that can enable them to accept more diverse workers and strengthen their workforce.”

“Thanks to our DQW hubs across Queensland, 95 percent of program participants have secured employment with 80 percent of those entering full time positions, while here at Multicultural Australia 100 percent of their participants have joined the workforce.

“This is a fantastic outcome and our continued investment in creating a diverse workforce will see Multicultural Australia expand their program.”

Minister Farmer said the expansion was part of the Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-32 with the $5.5 million allocated to extend the reach of the program to an additional 1500 participants over the next three years.  

“We want to enable all Queenslanders to secure the work they want and this funding takes our total investment in DQW to $8.5 million up until 2024–25 to assist 2500 migrants, refugees and international students find a fulfilling job and build rewarding careers.

“Programs like this ensure Queenslanders have the skills needed for the jobs of the future, and that those who might usually face barriers don’t miss out on opportunities.”

Multicultural Australia CEO Christine Castley said the additional funding would open doors for new Queenslanders to participate in the workforce.

“The Diverse Queensland Workforce Program has already demonstrated success in supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain employment,” Ms Castley said.

“Expansion of this program will help more new Queenslanders find meaningful jobs – supporting our mission to ensure all Queenslanders feel welcome.”

Minister Farmer said Multicultural Australia and the funded organisations would continue to build on their strong track record delivering support and employment pathways for our newest Queenslanders.

“These projects have a strong focus on connections and community and I thank all our funded organisations for helping build careers and creating the strong workforce Queensland needs,” Minister Farmer said.

For further information visit www.desbt.qld.gov.au/training/future-skills-fund or call 1300 369 935.