The latest employment figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show Queensland is entering the long ordeal of coronavirus impacts from a position of strength.
ABS data shows 6,700 jobs were created in Queensland in February 2020, the most of any state.
That takes the total created under the Palaszczuk Government to 248,700 since 2015.
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Jackie Trad said the Palaszczuk Government has a strong plan to protect Queenslanders’ health, Queensland jobs and Queensland businesses.
“We know that we have a long, difficult journey ahead of us,” Ms Trad said.
“We can take some comfort in knowing we are starting from a position of relative strength, but that does not diminish the challenge before us.
“Today’s jobs data underscores why it’s so important that we have a clear, concerted response from all levels of government.
“Back in January, Queensland was the first state to declare a public health emergency.
“Through our $27.25 million investment to protect jobs, we were the first state to target support measures at industries like tourism and seafood exporters.
“Now, we’ve extended our six-month payroll tax deferral to all Queensland business, no matter their size and we’re also supporting businesses with loans of up to $250,000, interest free for 12 months.
“Queenslanders’ health is being protected by the nurses, doctors, paramedics and medical workers that the Palaszczuk Government has restored – and Queenslanders will continue to depend on these frontline workers as the crisis escalates.
“Our job creation has supported Queensland’s private sector to create jobs, too.
“For every job that our government has created directly, the private sector in Queensland has added six more jobs.”
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Skills and Training Shannon Fentiman said supporting local businesses was vital to growing local jobs.
“We know our thousands of small businesses are a driving force behind our economy and jobs for Queenslanders,” Ms Fentiman said.
“That’s why we are here to provide much needed support for them to get through this crisis and continue to keep local employees in work.”
“I would encourage all small businesses who are affected by the COVID-19 to reach out to our small business hotline to see what assistance is available.
“To contact our small business hotline call 1300 654 687.”
The Palaszczuk Government is proud of its record in creating and protecting Queensland jobs. We will continue to stand with Queenslanders and back Queensland jobs through this ordeal.
