The Queensland Government will invest $101.7 million on programs to help more than 20,000 of the most disadvantaged people in the labour market as part of its plan to support jobs.
Handing down the 2009-10 State Budget, Treasurer and Minister for Employment and Economic Development Andrew Fraser said with a dire unemployment outlook over the next two years, it was important for Government to step in and assist those affected.
“The human cost of the global recession is evident in Queensland’s growing unemployment queues,” he said.
“These job creation and support programs will help Queensland workers affected by the global downturn as well as contributing to the government’s goal of creating 100,000 jobs over three years.
“These programs will help people develop the skills and qualifications required to enter or re-enter the workforce in these most difficult of economic circumstances.
“Queensland leads Australia in the provision of assistance to those most vulnerable in the labour market, including the long-term unemployed.
“In these tough times, we will continue to help those most in need,” he said.
A total of $63.5 million has been allocated for work placements, job preparation and traineeships to help some 14,610 people under the employment programs, delivering an estimated 9000 jobs.
Mr Fraser said the State Budget would deliver assistance to people in a range of programs under the Skilling Queenslanders for Work initiative, including $19 million in 2009-10 (as part of a three year, $57 million election commitment) such as the Green Army.
Mr Fraser said the $7.5 million Participate in Prosperity Program would also be expanded in this year’s budget to support 1275 disadvantaged people in jobless families or at risk of persistent poverty.
Other State Budget highlights include:
·$11.1 million, through the Get Set for Work program, to help 2000 people aged 15 to 24 who have dropped out of school or are at risk of doing so
·$5.1 million to help an estimated 2000 Indigenous apprentices, trainees and vocational students to complete their training through the Indigenous Employment and Training Network
·$2.5 million to provide incentives to councils and private employers in regional areas to take on an estimated 2500 school-based apprentices and trainees under the Youth Training Incentives program.
Media contact: Treasurer’s office — 3224 6361 or 3224 5982
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