Palaszczuk Government starts 2020 with more strong jobs delivery

The Palaszczuk Government delivered 4,700 Queensland jobs in January, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

The ABS data show that 4,700 Queensland jobs were added across the month, taking total job creation in Queensland under the Palaszczuk Government to 240,500, including 128,400 full‑time jobs.

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Jackie Trad, said the rise in January meant the Palaszczuk Labor Government had now achieved 40 consecutive months of employment growth.

“We know there is nothing more important to Queensland families than the security of having a job,” Ms Trad said.

“That’s why we have maintained an unrelenting focus on creating more jobs in more industries, right across Queensland.”

“Today’s data means the Queensland economy has seen a rise of 128,400 full-time jobs since the Palaszczuk Government was elected.

“Compare that to the record of the LNP – with Deb Frecklington as Assistant Treasurer, they oversaw a net decline in full‑time employment, due in no small part to the fact they sacked 14,000 Queensland workers.”

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development Shannon Fentiman said the result indicates strong confidence in Queensland.

“Our Skilling Queenslanders for Work and Back to Work programs continue to deliver opportunities for thousands of Queenslanders to enter the workforce,” Minister Fentiman said.

“We are equipping Queenslanders with skills and training they need to secure the jobs in growing Queensland industries.”

The Deputy Premier said the ABS figures showed the participation rate had increased under the Palaszczuk Government, another indicator of the nation-leading confidence held by Queensland consumers.

“Last week Queenslanders were confirmed as the most confident consumers in the country, according to the Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment survey. At the same time, Queensland business conditions and confidence both rose in January, even as the national average declined,” she said

“We know that coronavirus will continue to impact both the tourism and export sectors, and I echo the Premier’s call for the Commonwealth to match our $27 million assistance package dollar for dollar.

“Coronavirus is one of the issues I will be discussing with other state and territory treasurers at the Board of Treasurers meeting tomorrow – sadly it’s an issue the Federal Treasurer doesn’t think is worth discussing until April.”

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