Our submission this year has a narrow focus. Our aspirations for this state rely on two core ingredients for a vibrant economy: our human capability and affordable, reliable, secure and sustainable energy.
Queensland’s capacity to deliver housing and critical infrastructure , as well as care for children, the disabled and the elderly is fundamentally constrained by workforce availability. This remains the number one concern of A ustralian Industry Group members across the state.
Housing is critical for workforce mobility and growth.
We acknowledge the strides made via investments in trunk infrastructure, a commitment to regional plans and the adoption of the Queensland Productivity Commission's construction industry recommendations. However, we are deeply concerned the pipeline of construction slated for our state is beyond the capacity of the available workforce.
Other states are actively offering incentives to attract and retain workers. The resulting competition is placing upward pressure on wages putting pressure on businesses already operating in a tight labour market. This uncertainty is eroding business confidence and undermining forward planning and investment – in southeast
Queensland and across the regions.
