FNQ gets Back to Work

MORE than 10 per cent of applications to the State Government’s $100 million Back to Work program have been for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people as the Far North cements itself as the most eager region in the state to address unemployment.

Speaking in Cairns yesterday, Treasurer Curtis Pitt said a total of 759 Far North Queenslanders were back in work as a result of the program.

“Far North Queensland has lodged more applications than any other region, securing $1.78 million in direct funding to get locals into jobs,” the Member for Mulgrave said.

“Local employers have so far received over $3.5 million in support payments, money they can use to help grow their business.”

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said the $20,000 Back to Work Youth Boost was also a great success, with 329 locals aged 15-24 now in jobs.

“We’ve extended the $20,000 Youth Boost to 31 October 2017, and I want to encourage regional employers to take advantage of this great initiative,” Mr Crawford said.

Employment Minister Grace Grace said the Back to Work program has supported 1893 employers to hire 3471 workers in regional Queensland.

“There are a further 1494 applications pending approval,” she said.

Far North businesses can visit www.qld.gov.au/backtowork or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68) for more information about Back to Work, or to apply for an employer support payment.