Business Name

Thursday, January 14, 2010

3,700 jobs created last month: fifth straight month of job creation in Queensland.

Source: www.cabinet.qld.gov.au/mms/statementsearch.aspx.

New jobs data today revealed Queensland’s trend jobless rate for December was 6.1%, down from the published November figure of 6.2%.

In Townsville visiting a Green Army job creation project, Treasurer and Employment Minister Andrew Fraser said while the monthly figures are always volatile, 3,700 jobs were created in the month and the Bligh Government’s jobs target decreased.

“Our goal is to create jobs for Queenslanders, and to strengthen Queensland’s economy as we recover from the global financial crisis,” Mr Fraser said.

“No-one is declaring victory over Queensland’s challenges with unemployment, but any increase in job creation is a good sign.

“There has now been five straight months of job creation in Queensland. As our workforce grows, job creation needs to cater for that growth.”

Mr Fraser said the Bligh Government’s job creation election commitment to create 100,000 jobs had also decreased, with the new target at 98,500.

“We know this is going to be a tough target to reach, but we are determined to get there. While it is now heading in the right direction, we have a long way to go.

“We have an $18.2 billion building program, jobs programs like the Green Army, the most competitive payroll tax regime in the country, tax breaks for employers of apprentices and trainees, and nation-leading first home buyer concessions - all aimed at stimulating the economy and creating jobs.

“This Government has a jobs target, unlike the Opposition who consistently talk down the economy and don’t have one plan to create jobs in this state.”

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