Hinchinbrook MP, Andrew Cripps, has welcomed the release of a comprehensive plan by the LNP Opposition, in response to the state budget, to claw back jobs lost in the Hinchinbrook electorate under the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

Mr Cripps said the LNP’s jobs plan was expected to give up to 20,000 young Queenslanders at opportunity to get a job, encourage more apprentices to finish their trade and provide incentives to employees to train and retain workers.

“The LNP’s plan provides strong incentives for businesses to train and retain young workers, encourage them to take on apprentices and finish their training and provide a boost to employers to cover workers compensation premiums” said Mr Cripps.

“I’m certain that these measures will be welcomed by employers, particularly small and medium businesses in the Hinchinbrook electorate and will be a major boost to employment in communities between Innisfail and Townsville” he said.

“The LNP Opposition’s Get Queensland Working plan includes targeted support for small businesses and workers that led to jobs and opportunities, particularly for young Queenslanders, which is a major concern in North and Far North Queensland”.

“The Palaszczuk Government is all talk and no action when it comes to jobs – it promised to create jobs for Queensland, but its failure to do so has seen 21,300 more young Queenslanders out of work since Labor came to office in February 2015”.

Mr Cripps said in stark contrast, the former LNP government increased funding for vocational education and training and empowered industries to train young people for the high-quality jobs the Queensland economy needed.

The 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.

4. Employment Bonus

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.