Welcome to 2026! 

With Australia Day behind us, it is officially back to business. Especially for Queenslanders, I wanted to bring a couple of opportunities to your attention.

Breakfast 25 February

2026 in Queensland is the topic of conversation at the Queensland Futures Institute breakfast on 25 February. I'll be providing a local perspective for Australian Industry Group alongside peak bodies from key industries. Book tickets HERE and use the code AIGROUP for a 10% discount.

State Budget 2026-27

We are working on a submission to the Queensland Budget for 2026/27. One of the biggest challenges our state is facing is access to a skilled workforce capable of delivering our needs across a broad spectrum of industries, including infrastructure, housing and care.

We are formulating a budget submission that focuses on a substantial, targeted investment to:

  • lift apprenticeships in construction and manufacturing
  • examine the investment in VET in Schools
  • reinvigorate TAFE
  • find appropriate skilled migration solutions

While there is need for fiscal responsibility, we know there is taxpayer money invested in a system that is not delivering the outcomes we need. I am working with a raft of other peak bodies to put a focus on this issue and call for efficiencies as well as investments.

On this topic, we are also working with Jobs and Skills Australia on the Occupation Shortage List. If you would like to provide feedback on occupation shortages that are impacting your business, please let me know.

I am looking forward to working with you again this year.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything the Queensland team can do to help you.

Kindest regards,

Michelle