New CEO announced for Manufacturing Skills Queensland

• Rebecca Andrews will lead Manufacturing Skills Queensland(MSQ) as the new Chief Executive Officer.
• Ms Andrews brings more than 25 years experience driving economic development agendas and delivering impactful outcomes for industries, particularly in manufacturing.
• She will lead the organisation at a critical point in building skills and capability to support the future of manufacturing in Queensland.

Manufacturing Skills Queensland has appointed Rebecca Andrews as its Chief Executive Officer from July.

MSQ is an independent body supported by a $16.5 million Palaszczuk Government investment over three years to drive the growth of the state’s manufacturing industry.

Prior to MSQ, Ms Andrews served in key leadership roles including: Australian Industry Group Queensland State Head; Deputy Director-General, Small Business at the Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training; and various boards and advisory groups, including the Ministerial Manufacturing Council.

MSQ plays a key role in identifying the training and skills required by manufacturers and employees, with special consideration for the Energy and Jobs plan and Ms Andrew will lead the organisation in building skills and capability to support the future of manufacturing in Queensland.

Established and funded in November 2022 under the Queensland Government's Making it in Queensland: Building a Stronger Manufacturing Sector policy, MSQ is committed to building a sustainably skilled workforce for a future-proofed manufacturing industry.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Small Business, Minister for Training and Skills Development and Minister for Youth Justice, Di Farmer:

“The Palaszczuk Government knows a highly skilled workforce is vital to the future growth of Queensland’s advanced manufacturing sector and the Queensland economy more generally.

“That’s why we allocated $16.5M to the establishment of Manufacturing Skills Queensland as a centre of excellence for the delivery of skills and training.

“Its establishment is delivering on our pledge to ensure Queenslanders get the skills needed for emerging, growth, and traditional industries.

“Manufacturing delivers $20 billion a year to the Queensland economy and strong leadership and collaboration to support the industry’s future is critical.

“We will continue to work closely with MSQ to help the industry thrive by providing evidence-based advice and local insights on the broad range of manufacturing needs across Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher:

"Manufacturing is the backbone of the Queensland economy, employing nearly 180,000 Queenslanders every year and supporting local regional communities through jobs and business growth.

“MSQ’s focus and vision will help the industry continue to create good, secure jobs and better services and cement Queensland’s reputation as a world-leading manufacturing powerhouse.”

Quotes attributable to the MSQ Board Chairperson Michael Glover:

“Ms Andrews extensive leadership experience and expertise in economic development makes her an invaluable asset to MSQ.

“Today’s announcement marks a significant step forward towards the organisation’s role to support the Government's commitments to skilling our state’s vital manufacturing workforce.”

Quotes attributable to MSQ CEO Rebecca Andrews:

“I’m delighted to be appointed to the role of MSQ’s new CEO.

“Sharing my experience and vision for leading MSQ’s strategic plans and programs, I will ensure we continue to attract, upskill, reskill to grow a sustainable, inclusive and diverse workforce and business community that thrives today, and in the future.”

For more information about MSQ and its initiatives, please visit www.msq.org.au or contact info@msq.org.au

ENDS

Media Contact:

 Minister Farmer  Gary Shipway 0458 090906

Minister Butcher Lizzy Aboud 0474 811 004