Labor’s job package overlooks thousands of young Queenslanders

• Labor’s so-called ‘regional’ job package cuts out thousands of young job seekers by excluding Ipswich, Toowoomba, and the entire South East Queensland.
• No consultation on policy with industry groups like Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland Under Labor’s package taxpayer handouts will be given to big companies such as Woolworths and Coles at the expense of small business
• Employment Minister Grace Grace again fails to address Queensland’s high youth unemployment rates

It was revealed today the Palaszczuk Government’s plan to address ‘regional’ youth unemployment in Queensland fails to cover thousands of young job seekers in Toowoomba, Ipswich and South East Queensland.

Shadow Minister for Employment Jarrod Bleijie said Labor’s job package leaves thousands of young Queenslanders having to go it alone without vital assistance from the government to find work.

“It’s hardly surprising considering they didn’t even speak to key industry groups like Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland about their major employment policy,” said Mr Bleijie.

“The Palaszczuk Government has shown it has no regard for Toowoomba and Ipswich by blatantly overlooking these key regional hubs where there are thousands of unemployed young people.

“This is hardly an oversight but rather a telling sign that Employment Minister Grace Grace has no decisive plan to tackle youth unemployment.

“She even admitted her reluctance to help young people find jobs when she said youth unemployment is 'not new' and there is 'not much you can change’. (Courier Mail, January 15, 2016)

“Grace Grace has shown she is more interested in meeting with union officials than finding jobs for young Queenslanders.”

Mr Bleijie said it was confirmed today that big businesses like Woolworths and Coles will have access to taxpayer handouts as part of Labor’s package, meaning ordinary Queenslanders will be funding billion dollar corporations.

“Instead of giving taxpayer money to billion dollar corporations, Labor’s priority should be on boosting small businesses and creating opportunities for young Queenslanders right around the state to find pathways to work.

“Not excluding corporations that can easily afford to put on workers without the Government’s help means there will be less money available for small businesses that need help to hire young job seekers.

“In contrast to Labor’s rushed policy, the LNP’s plan to Get Queensland Working will create up to 20,000 jobs by providing businesses with $5000 to encourage them to take on new apprentices, $4000 grants to assist small businesses with recruitment and start-up costs for young Queenslanders.

“It will also include support for up to 20,000 tradies across the state by contributing $500 towards new tools for apprentices upon completion of their training over four years.”