‘Work in Paradise’: Premier’s plan to ease critical staff shortage

Cash incentives, free travel vouchers and access to low-cost accommodation are central to a new multimillion-dollar campaign announced today to lure workers from across the country to fill the thousands of vacant tourism jobs in regional Queensland.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is in Cairns today to launch the $7.5 million “Work in Paradise” campaign to address the critical shortage of workers at tourism businesses across the state, including here in the Douglas Shire.

“We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world. This campaign will give Queenslanders and other Australians even more reasons to come to work in paradise,” the Premier said.

The Premier visited the Douglas Shire in March to speak with operators, with the major issue flagged being not enough staff members to meet demand.

“Thanks to the way Queenslanders have responded to the pandemic, our economy has started to rebuild,” she said.

“But right across regional Queensland, there is strong demand for workers.

“From chefs, waiters and bartenders through to tour guides and deckhands on the Great Barrier Reef, there are plenty of great jobs up for grabs.”

The Premier said the government would deliver a $1500 incentive and free travel for workers taking up a tourism job in regional Queensland from Mackay north to FNQ and west of Toowoomba, including the outback.

“Grab your friends and take a tourism job to work in paradise – that’s the message we’re sending to thousands of Queensland and Australian jobseekers,” the Premier said.

“Competition for workers is at an all-time high in tourism and hospitality and we want to give people the best chance there is to work, play and live in our top travel spots in regional Queensland.”

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Palaszczuk Government has invested more than $800 million to support the tourism industry through the pandemic.

“Our Good to Go campaign and Holiday Dollars travel vouchers are helping to reignite demand for great Queensland holiday experiences and short break getaways,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“More domestic visitors and the ongoing closure of the international border mean tourism operators need more workers to deliver world-class experiences.

“In addition to the $1500 cash incentive for jobseekers to relocate for employment in the tourism industry, we’re also offering a $250 travel bonus to help workers to travel there.

“We know there are accommodation shortages in some regions but we’re working with industry to help workers find an affordable place to call home.”

Assistant Tourism Minister and Member for Cairns Michael Healy said Work in Paradise would send a clear message there were thousands of tourism jobs available in Queensland.

“Queensland is the best place to look for a job in paradise – it has location, lifestyle and an exciting tourism industry,” Mr Healy said.

“While Work in Paradise will connect jobseekers with jobs, it could also provide a pathway to a long-term career in the tourism industry in your dream location.”

The incentive program starts from July 1.

For more information or to register interest, visit qld.gov.au/workinparadise