Thousands of Queenslanders supported into new and upskilled jobs

- The Crisafulli Government is delivering opportunities for more than 7,200 Queenslanders looking to get a job or progress their career through the Workforce Connect Fund. - Nine projects in priority industries have been awarded a total of $6.84 million. - Funding to help address key worker shortages in construction, health, manufacturing, community services and tourism. - The Crisafulli Government is building Queensland’s future after Labor’s decade of decline created a skills shortage across the state. The Crisafulli Government is delivering thousands of job opportunities and supporting close to 2,000 employers to get the workers they need through the latest round of the Workforce Connect Fund. Nine projects targeting priority industries will receive funding to help address worker shortages in construction, health, manufacturing, community services and tourism, with all of the projects containing targets for employment outcomes in regional Queensland. Funding was awarded to projects which boost inclusivity and long-term employment success through innovative attraction, retention and workforce participation strategies. It’s yet another example of how the Crisafulli Government is turning the tide on Labor’s Skills Crisis, after a decade of decline created worker shortages in key industries across Queensland. One of the successful projects will establish a new digital platform to connect employers, workers and accommodation providers to allow easier movement of seasonal tourism and hospitality workers. It will enable workforce sharing between regional hubs like the Whitsundays, Far North Queensland and the Sunshine Coast and offer relocation payments and travel vouchers to allow workers to move where they’re needed. Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates said the projects were a targeted measure to overcome a decade of neglect of Queensland’s workforce and industry needs. “Labor’s legacy is a skilled worker shortage which is being felt across just about every industry and every corner of the state,” Minister Bates said. “The Crisafulli Government is continuing to help those industries by getting Queenslanders into the jobs that are needed to keep the state moving. “One of the focuses of the Workforce Connect Fund is providing pathways for underrepresented cohorts which is exactly what the projects selected in this round will achieve.” Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Natassia Wheeler said the initiative directly reflected QTIC’s strategic focus on strengthening the tourism workforce through practical, industry-led solutions. “It has been shaped by consistent feedback from our members, who have told us that workforce mobility and access to affordable staff accommodation remain two of the biggest barriers to growing their businesses,” Ms Wheeler said. “We’re pleased the Queensland Government has backed an initiative that has been informed by industry and designed for industry. It demonstrates what can be achieved when government and the tourism sector work together to address the real challenges facing businesses and support the long-term growth of Queensland’s visitor economy.” Other projects funded in this Workforce Connect Fund round are: Awesome Women in Construction’s Scaffolding the Future which aims to break down barriers faced by women entering the construction industry Outback Independent Living Limited’s Building a Safe, Skilled and Sustainable Disability Support Workforce project which aims to build the disability support sector’s workforce in Central West Queensland. The Registered and Licenced Clubs Association of Queensland’s Women in Clubs Leadership Pathways project which aims to address underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. Queensland Social Enterprise Council’s Workforce Gateway project which aims to connect employers with underrepresented jobseekers across 13 regions in Queensland. The Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland Limited’s Interpreter Workforce Development Project which aims to improve access to interpretation services for mental health organisations. Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland’s Retention through Connection project which aims to boost apprentice numbers, engagement and retention to combat industry challenges. Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s Global Talent in Manufacturing project which aims to support skilled migrants and refugees into manufacturing careers. CheckUP Australia’s Workforce Readiness Studio project which aims to address regional workforce shortages in healthcare and support providers