More new jobs have been created in Queensland than in any other state, Treasurer Tim Nicholls revealed in a March 13 media release. This is encouraging for those considering apprenticeships and traineeships in Queensland, as a rise in new jobs means employers are seeking talented workers.
“Queensland recorded the strongest employment growth, in both trend and seasonally adjusted terms, of any state in the year to February 2014,” Mr Nicholls said.
Over the past 12 months, the region’s trend employment increased by 26,600 jobs. The seasonally adjusted figure places the growth at 40,100.
“This puts us out in front of the rest of the country,” Mr Nicholls explained.
The national figures show seasonally adjusted employment across Australia increased by 47,300 new jobs. This represents an 80,500 rise in full-time employment and a 33,300 decrease in part-time jobs.
“Today’s figures also show Queensland’s employment growing by 30,800 jobs in February, seasonally adjusted,” said Mr Nicholls. “Importantly, trend employment has now increased in 16 of the last 17 months.”
Further growth in Queensland’s labour force is expected over the coming years, particularly in the state’s construction industry. This forecast comes after the Queensland government announced sweeping reforms to deliver more efficient planning laws.
“Clearer, less complicated planning laws will help to kick-start the construction industry, boosting jobs and delivering more affordable housing for Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney explained in a March 13 statement.
Improving the planning legislation has already seen the Queensland government introduce the new State Planning Policy and a one-stop-shop State Assessment and Referral Agency. However, Mr Seeney believes “the best is still to come”.
“The changes will provide greater certainty for developers and greater confidence for councils, giving them the capability and discretion they need to make assessment applications,” he said.
These reforms should be encouraging for those planning to enter construction apprenticeships in Queensland this year, as a more efficient planning system could lead to increased activity in this industry – which means employers will be seeking talented candidates to meet growing demand.
“The Planning for Queensland’s Development Bill will significantly simplify Queensland’s planning and development system,” Mr Seeney revealed.
“Importantly, this new Bill ensures Queensland’s planning system focuses on supporting economic growth, a key election promise of the Newman Government.”
By Leanne de Toerkenczy, Public Relations Coordinator
