Job figures have continued to climb in many areas of regional Queensland, according to ABS data released yesterday.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said that the Australian Bureau of Statistics Regional Labour Force data, showed that Labor was building an economy that works for all Queenslanders.
“This jobs data confirms that the Palaszczuk Government’s economic plan is working, with thousands of jobs being created across the state,” Ms Trad said.
“Townsville, Cairns, Mackay and Ipswich showed strong employment growth, with 10,100, 7,800, 6,500 and 6,400 more people, respectively, with a job in December 2017, than at the same time last year.
“The Logan-Beaudesert region has again showed the largest growth in employment, with 13,800 more people employed in the area than had a job 12 months ago.
“We also saw strong employment growth on both the Gold Coast (10,500) and Sunshine Coast (6,500).
“This data also showed that youth unemployment is down in a number of key regions, including Cairns, Ipswich and on the Gold Coast but there is obviously more work to do to ensure young people can enter the workforce.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said that while it was fantastic to see jobs growth in so many areas of the state, it was important to continue supporting communities across Queensland.
“We know small and medium sized businesses in some areas are doing it tougher than others and our government is absolutely committed to helping these businesses get ahead and grow,” Ms Fentiman said.
“Our Back to Work program gives business owners a bit more security to expand and take on new staff, with up to $20,000 on offer to businesses that take on an eligible unemployed jobseeker.
“More than 4,400 businesses in regional Queensland have signed on to be part of Back to Work since 1 July 2016 and we know the flow-on benefits of this program are being felt by businesses, employees, families and whole communities.
“It is the Palaszczuk Government that can be trusted to invest in jobs for Queensland – particularly in our regions and we will continue to work in partnerships with local and regional councils, organisations and businesses to deliver the services communities need to thrive.”
For more information on Back to Work visit https://backtowork.
For more information on ABS data releases visit www.abs.gov.au