Local Jobs First the focus at Townsville roundtable

Employment Minister Grace Grace today met with local and industry experts in Townsville at the first of three Local Jobs First roundtables. 

The objective of the roundtables is to identify opportunities for industry and government to work together to improve job opportunities for local people in key regional industries. 

Employment Minister Grace Grace said the government was committed to creating jobs and ensuring economic growth across the state. 

“This government’s number one priority is job creation and we are doing all we can to harness every opportunity to create local employment outcomes. 

“I wanted to get the best minds together to hear from local industry and businesses on the best way to deliver on “local jobs first”. 

“There are significant opportunities in Townsville, either currently underway or in the pipeline, and we want to be across how these opportunities can translate into local jobs for local residents and young people,” Minister Grace said. 

Townsville will be the first in a series of roundtables with Bundaberg and Cairns to host future meetings. 

“The Bundaberg and Cairns roundtables will focus on specific sectors – agriculture in Bundaberg and tourism in Cairns. 

“The Townsville roundtable will cover a range of industries – from mining and manufacturing, to education, to health and community services,” she said. 

Minister for Disability Services and Member for Mundingburra Coralee O’Rourke said the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) would play a key part in the job creation discussion at the Townsville roundtable.  

“The NDIS has already started here in Townsville, which means up to 950 extra jobs will be opening up over the next three years, and I want local people looking for work to jump on these opportunities,” Mrs O’Rourke said.  

“We will be looking for support workers, allied health professionals, administration personnel, marketing and business experts - the possibilities are endless.” 

Member for Townsville, Scott Stewart, said that the Back to Work Regional Employment Package was proving a big success in the city. 

“In North Queensland alone, 612 people are now back at work due to this program including 230 through the youth boost component,” Mr Stewart said. 

Member for Thuringowa, Aaron Harper, said local employers have so far received almost $2.9 million in support payments through the Back to Work program, money they can use to help grow their business.