Organisations have created thousands of new jobs in Queensland over the last year, with State Treasurer Curtis Pitt welcoming recent employment data as good news for the population and the economy.
Mr Pitt highlighted growth in Toowoomba, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast in particular. According to the politician, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast have added 3,100 and 5,500 jobs within the last 12 months, while employment is up 5.2 per cent on the Gold Coast.
The Queensland government released a number of media statements last week applauding the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics jobs data, as well as drawing attention to important projects across the state’s regions.
Discussing the Gold Coast, Mr Pitt said: “We’re building or upgrading 17 world-class facilities for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, making this area a powerhouse that will inject $2 billion into the Queensland economy and support around 30,000 jobs.”
Meanwhile, the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing is a $331 million initiative that is expected to create more than 1,800 direct and indirect employment opportunities. The city’s $500 million Grand Central shopping centre will support 1,500 workers during construction and a further 1,000 retail employees once completed.
On the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore’s SunCentral scheme could create more than 15,000 jobs over the next 10 years.
Apprenticeships and traineeships in Queensland
As an increasing number of ventures begin to ramp up, people seeking apprenticeships and traineeships in Queensland could see a rise in available positions.
Mr Pitt said the state government is supporting the vocational education and training sector through a payroll tax rebate, which provides benefits for businesses that hire apprentices and trainees.
“More than 80 Toowoomba businesses have claimed $123,000 in payroll tax rebates since the scheme started in July,” he stated. “We want to make sure money invested in the Toowoomba region stays in this region by employing local businesses and local tradies.”
Similarly, over 129 Sunshine Coast organisations have taken advantage of the rebate, claiming back $118,000 in tax since the scheme began. Mr Pitt also pointed to the rebate’s success in Cairns, where 110 companies have received $101,000 back from the state.
Introduced last year, the initiative offers firms that employ apprentices and trainees a 25 per cent rebate that is used as an offset against other employees’ wages. Furthermore, apprentices and trainees are exempt from payroll tax, providing businesses with additional tax advantages.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
