A LNP jobs plan will see up to 20,000 young Queenslanders in jobs, encourage apprentices to finish their training and incentivise employers to train and retain workers.
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson, in welcoming the State LNP's policy, said the Sunshine Coast had one of Australia's highest rate of business ownership.
“Under an LNP State government we will help the engine room of local jobs with strong incentives for small businesses to train and retain young workers, which will be a major boost for local jobs.
“We are very strongly a small business community and one that is passionate about ensuring that we can invest in the future of our youth and provide jobs in our area,” Ms Simpson said.
“That’s why I was so delighted to see the announcement and to participate with my colleagues on the State LNP’s plan to get Queensland working again.
“Under an LNP State Government, our LNP plan will provide local businesses with a $5,000 incentive to take on a new apprentice and this boost will provide up to 10,000 new apprentices over four years.
“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.”
“The $500 tools for tradies voucher is not only for the carpenters and the chippies who work in the construction industry but also for the hairdressers and other trades that require equipment.
“Our plan also provides a job-start incentive grant of $4,000 over 12 months to help small businesses with recruitment and start-up costs of employing young Queenslanders who are unemployed and not in full-time education or training.
“This will help the many young people on the Sunshine Coast who are struggling to find work.
“Under an LNP State Government, employers will also receive an incentive to employ and retain young Queenslander through reduced WorkCover costs after 12 months of continuous employment.
“We’ve seen that Labor has been all talk and no action when it comes to growing jobs for young people – with 21,300 more young Queenslanders out of work since January 2015.
“In contrast, the LNP’s plan will deliver more jobs and training to give our young people the high-quality jobs they need – and we need to grow our local economy.”
The State 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. Start Work 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.
