CAIRNS Regional Jobs Committee

RJC's work with industry to identify workforce challenges and skills shortages and plan for our future workforce.

From the Chair

Upcoming LIVE Events

Brekkie Seminar

Closing the Last ‘Loophole’: Wage Theft and Compliance

From 1 January 2025, the national wage theft scheme applies in addition to the stablished Queensland wage theft scheme. This means two legislative avenues where employers can find themselves subject to criminal action for intentionally underpaying employees. 

These schemes operate alongside the civil enforcement and compliance work undertaken by the Fair Work Ombudsman, which is designed to ensure workers receive their pay and entitlements.

During this informative session Joanna Minchinton, Head of Consulting Solutions with IRiQ Law, will provide attendees with:

• A detailed overview of the national wage theft scheme
• What “intentional” underpayment conduct is defined as – it is not as straight forward as you’d think!
• Civil penalties and criminal prosecutions for non-compliance
• The Fair Work Ombudsman’s role in investigating and compliance assessment
• Two x Safe Harbour options for employers in avoiding criminal action
• Interaction between the Queensland and national schemes and managing the requirements of both
• Practical and easy to implement tips to stay compliant as an employer.  

Join the Cairns Chamber of Commerce for the March Business Luncheon and gain valuable industry insights from Mark Olsen, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Tropical North Queensland. Mark will deliver a comprehensive tourism industry update, highlighting the latest trends, research and data.  Deepen your understanding of the current state and future outlook of tourism in our region. Whether you're a business owner, industry professional, or simply passionate about the tourism sector, this event is a must-attend. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect and learn!

Guest Speaker: Mark Olsen, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Tropical North Queensland
When: Tuesday 18 March 2025
Time: 11.30am - 2.00pm
Where: Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, 35/41 Wharf St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Cost: $69 Members | $89 Non-Members | $552 Table of 8
Inclusions: Welcome Drink on Arrival, Alternate Drop Main Course, Freshly Brewed Tea & Coffee

Queensland SKILLS Strategy

To keep Queensland's economy powering with good jobs and good people, the Queensland Government developed the Good Jobs, Great Training: Queensland Skills Strategy 2024-2028, to strengthen the training system and deliver a skilled workforce.  Click the image below to learn more. 

From casual cook to certified CHEF

Do you know a cook looking to advance their career? Or are you that cook yourself?

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC) Registered Trade Skills Pathway program, proudly supported by the Queensland Government, may be the perfect pathway for you.

QTIC’s qualification pathway program helps working cooks qualify as chefs by removing many barriers associated with traditional qualifications and offers a bonus $1,100 to every program graduate. Spaces are limited, learn more today and take your career go to the next level!  

For more, head to: https://www.qtic.com.au/registered-trade-skills-pathway-program/

#QueenslandTourismIndustryCouncil #theqtic #TourismMatters #futureproofworkforce

Growing our own workforce

Jobs Queensland's Grow Your Own (GYO) Regional Workforce Program helps regions develop workforce plans by partnering with local stakeholders. As part of the Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, the program focuses on identifying workforce needs, developing cross-sector skills, and aligning workforce strategies with regional economic goals through action-based, locally driven projects.

Far North Queensland's aged care sector faces severe workforce shortages, with demand rising due to an ageing population and increasing health needs. By 2026, Australia will need 110,000 more aged care workers. A strategic plan will improve training, recruitment, and sustainable care models, ensuring high-quality aged care for the future.

Don't miss Regis Aged Care and ARC Disability Support speak on the importance of Age and Disability care in our communities at the 2025 Carins #GoHealth Careers Expo on March 26.  

Find your passion

Those seeking a change could be interested to know that of the recent graduate registered nurses, five are aged in their 50s; 30 are aged in their 40s; and 38 are aged in their 30s.  Proof that it’s never too late to learn or change careers!  

In fact, the median age of workers in Health is 44 and almost 18% of the workforce, are over of 55.  The Cairns Hinterland Hospital and Health Service recently shared a story of Nellie Ireland, who became a nurse at 42, after wanting to improve the patient experience.  You can read that story in full on the expo Facebook page.  Search: Cairns Health Careers Expo.  

It highlights perfectly how life experience, transferrable skills and job enthusiasm should be considered across all industries to fill skills shortages.

Website REFRESH

Advanced Apprentice & Employee Mentoring Program

The Australian residential building industry generates $95 billion annually, supporting millions of livelihoods.  It's no secret that we desperately need more Tradespeople and taking on an apprentice can benefit your business and future proof your workforce.

However, apprentices face significant challenges, with over 50% leaving their training—a trend that threatens the industry's future workforce.

To address this, the Queensland Government, in partnership with HIA, launched the AAEM Program through the QLD Workforce Connect Fund. This initiative aims to reduce dropout rates and provide consistent support for apprentices across all residential construction trades.

Funded by the Workforce Connect Fund as part of Queensland’s Good people. Good jobs: Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2032, the HIA Advanced Apprentice and Employer Mentoring program offers holistic mentoring to help apprentices and businesses navigate the apprenticeship journey, ensuring long-term success in the industry.

To access this free service as an employer, you must work within construction trades, have an active ABN, and be able to demonstrate your principal place of business is in Queensland.

The HIA Mentoring program supports apprentices by providing mentorship, work-life balance assistance, financial and nutritional guidance, mental wellbeing strategies, literacy support, and workplace expectations.

For employers, we collaborate to define goals, offer tailored strategies, connect with resources, and share management techniques for apprentices.

Pre-apprentices receive guidance on career pathways, work readiness, goal-setting, and leveraging their strengths for a future in construction.

Shaping the future of Transport & Logistics

The transport and logistics sectors are at a crossroads, facing workforce shortages, recruitment hurdles, and retention challenges. To stay ahead, a skilled and adaptable workforce is required —one that’s ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry.

That’s where Industry Skills Australia (ISA) comes in. As the Jobs and Skills Council for the sector, they are committed to understanding the real challenges on the ground and identifying practical solutions.

Over the coming weeks, ISA is hitting the road, hosting Industry Roundtables across regional Australia. These sessions are a chance for you to have your say on:

✅ Current and emerging skills gaps
✅ Workforce challenges and priorities
✅ High-impact solutions that could make a real difference

📍 Thursday 27 March – Cairns (venue TBC)

Help spread the word! If you know others who should be part of this conversation, please share this with your network.

🔗 Register now Cairns Regional Industry Roundtable and be part of shaping the future of the Transport and Logistics sector.

Grants, Tenders & Support

The Better Local Business Grant Program was announced on Friday - https://www.business.qld.gov.au/running-business/support-services/business-events/qsbm/better-local-business

The Better Local Business grant program provides support to chambers of commerce, small and family business associations, industry associations and local councils to bring local business owners and stakeholders together to address key business concerns, issues or opportunities in their region.

The program offers $2,500 (excluding GST) in funding. If successful, funding is paid upfront on approval. Successful applicants don't have to co-contribute to this grant but must pay for any related expenses in excess of the $2,500 in grant funding.

Applicants can apply for funding for grant funding activities that meet the following criteria:

1. are delivered in May 2025 during Queensland Small Business Month
2. address an identified local business concern, issue or opportunity, bringing together small and family business owners and stakeholders.

Applications for the Better Local Business grant program are now open and will close at 5pm on Friday 21 March 2025.

Would you like to submit an article or good news story to feature in the next edition? Get in touch by emailing rjc@cairnschamber.com.au 

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