Mining 'the engine room' for Queensland jobs
Published Monday, 25 June 2012 at 11:31am
The resources sector has created thousands of jobs in Queensland
When it comes to jobs in Queensland, the mining and resources sector has an essential role to play, according to the state's natural resources and mines minister.
Speaking today (June 25), Andrew Cripps asserted that mining is "the engine room" for job growth in the sunshine state, estimating that the industry is directly responsible for one in every six jobs created in Queensland - or in other words, approximately 17 per cent of the state's total workforce.
Citing May 2012 figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, he asserted that employment opportunities in the mining sector increased to 72,400 jobs - a record high, and a figure up 21 per cent from the same time last year.
"Given that every direct job in the mining industry generates another three indirect jobs, mining now underwrites around 290,000 full-time jobs in Queensland," he said.
Today's figures are supported by Friday's announcement that the Vocational Education and Training Bill has been passed in Queensland, ensuring the right skills and training are in place to support job creation in the state now and in the future.
The passing of the bill, according to minister for education, training and employment John-Paul Langbroek, will help the state toward achieving its goal of reducing the unemployment rate to four per cent.
