Free workshops to help Queenslanders get back to work

The Federal Government’s latest series of jobs workshops for sacked Queensland public servants kick off this week, starting in the Brisbane area before heading north.

Employment Participation Minister Kate Ellis said the workshops would help Queenslanders, whose lives had been thrown into turmoil by Premier Newman’s axe, get back on their feet.

“The workshops and one-on-one career coaching sessions are being offered to more than 400 workers who were handed redundancies,” Ms Ellis said.

“I am proud that this Government is taking direct action to help those public sector workers that find themselves without jobs, through no fault of their own.

“The Newman Government made a decision to run roughshod over the public service - the Gillard Government will stand by these people and offer them the support and assistance they may need to get their career going again.

“An estimated 4,000 Queensland Health staff will lose their jobs with 3,500 believed to be already sacked – this includes more than 750 nurses.

“This is merely the curtain raiser for what is to come should Tony Abbott ever win Government – he will cut to the bone.”

The workshops would be held at seven locations in Queensland - Brisbane, Chermside, Eight Mile Plains, Caboolture, Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton.

They will be delivered by experienced, professional career counsellors who will provide advice to help people get back on their feet and find work.

Two workshops will be held in each location – a general session in the morning and a session specifically targeted to those made redundant from the health sector in the afternoon.

Ms Ellis said the workshops were part of the $850,000 Queensland Workers’ Assistance Package announced by the Australian Government last year after the Queensland announced that 14,000 Queensland public service workers would lose their jobs.

“So far the Package has supported Jobs and Skills Expos in Brisbane, Townsville and Logan, attended by over 6,000 people and connecting more than 680 people with employment and training opportunities. More than 30 Jobs and Information workshops have been held across Queensland since last October,” she said.

“The 14 career development workshops running this week complement these initiatives and show that this Government is serious about supporting people to find sustainable employment to keep our national economy strong.”

To register an interest in attending a workshop or for more information visit: www.deewr.gov.au/queensland-workers-assistance-package-0

Queensland Workers’ Assistance Package – career development workshops

Chermside
Tuesday 11 June
9.00 am – 12.00 pm,
Kedron Wavell Services Club

Tuesday 11 June (Health sector)
1.00 pm – 4.00 pm,
Kedron Wavell Services Club

Caboolture
Wednesday 12 June          
9.00 am – 12.00 pm,
Caboolture Hub

Wednesday 12 June (Health sector)
1.00 pm – 4.00 pm,
Caboolture Hub

Brisbane city
Thursday 13 June  
9.00 am – 12.00 pm,
Park Regis North Quay

Thursday 13 June (Health sector)
1.00 pm – 4.00 pm,
Park Regis North Quay

Eight Mile Plains
Friday 14 June
9.00 am – 12.00 pm,
The Glen Hotel

Friday 14 June (Health sector)
1.00 pm – 4.00 pm,
The Glen Hotel

Cairns           
Tuesday 18 June    
9.00 am – 12.00 pm,
Rydges Tradewinds Cairns

Tuesday 18 June (Health sector)
1.00 pm – 4.00 pm,
Rydges Tradewinds Cairns

Townsville  
Thursday 20 June          
9.00 am – 12.00 pm,
Mercure Townsville

Thursday 20 June (Health sector)
1.00 pm – 4.00 pm,
Mercure Townsville

Rockhampton
Monday 24 June     
9.00 am – 12.00 pm,
Travelodge Rockhampton Hotel

Monday 24 June (Health sector)
1.00 pm – 4.00 pm,
Travelodge Rockhampton Hotel