The LNP’s Get Queensland Working jobs plan will see Bundaberg jobseekers gain meaningful employment, encourage apprentices to finish their training and incentivise employers to train and retain workers.
Shadow Employment Minister Jarrod Bleijie said the package would create 20,000 new jobs for Queenslanders at a time when unemployment, particularly in the regions, was a growing concern.
“Unemployment in the Wide Bay region is sitting at 9.1 per cent – well above the State average of 6.2 per cent,” Mr Bleijie said.
“That brings the total number of unemployed people in the region to over 11,000.
“Youth unemployment is even worse, with 21.6 per cent of young people out of work – the third highest rate of youth unemployment in the State.
“Labor claims they’re creating jobs for Queenslanders, but their $100 million flagship Back to Work program has only created 82 jobs to date.
“According to Labor’s own calculations, it should be creating around 80 jobs per week – not in total.
“On top of this, we’ve seen around 20,000 jobs lost across the State since the beginning of this year alone.”
Burnett MP Stephen Bennett said the LNP had a strong track record of providing pathways to jobs for Queenslanders.
“The former LNP government increased funding for vocational education and training and empowered industry so we were training our young people for the high-quality jobs the economy needed,” Mr Bennett said.
“Get Queensland Working will provide Bundaberg businesses with support to recruit young Queenslanders, encourage them to take on apprentices to help them finish their training and provide a boost to employers to cover workers compensation premiums.
“Our plan gives young apprentices and tradies in Bundaberg that vital first ‘leg up’, and will also encourage more apprentices to complete their training and get into the workforce.
“It will also include support for up to 20,000 Queensland tradies over four years by contributing $500 towards new tools for apprentices upon completion of their training.
“We understand the costs local tradies face when they start work, but we’re committed to easing the burden on our young workers.”
The LNP’s Plan to Get Queensland Working:
1. Queensland Apprenticeship Boost
Providing a $5000 incentive for Queensland businesses who take on a new apprentice from beginning to end. This boost will provide up to 10,000 new apprentices over 4 years.
2. Tools for Tradies
$500 voucher for tradies who complete their apprenticeship to get the tools they need to get working. This will provide tools to 20,000 tradies over 4 years to help them get ahead.
3. Job Start Incentive
$4000 grants over 12 months to assist small businesses with recruitment and start-up costs for eligible young Queenslanders (15-24) who are unemployed and not enrolled in full-time education or training. This will provide businesses incentives to employ up to 10,000 young Queenslanders over 4 years.
4. Employment Bonus
Thanks to the stewardship of the LNP, WorkCover Queensland is in a strong financial position. A bonus to encourage businesses who employ eligible participants under the Apprenticeship Boost and Job Start Incentive will be provided to further encourage businesses to train and retain young Queenslanders. After 12 months of continuous employment of each eligible participant, employers will have that workers’ wages excluded as part of the next year’s premium calculation.
Wednesday, 7 September 2016