CCIQ joins workforce strategy roundtable as the voice of business

In a move that will give Queensland’s business sector a strong voice at the table, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland’s CEO Heidi Cooper has been appointed to join other industry and community leaders to help steer the roll-out of the state government’s new Queensland Workforce Strategy.   

The Queensland Workforce Strategy Roundtable, that includes CCIQ, has been established to inform the implementation of the 10-year plan, which has been designed to build a strong, skilled and diverse workforce ready to fill the jobs of today and tomorrow. 

It comes as the National Jobs and Skills Summit is underway this week to address ongoing labour and skills challenges.   

Ms Cooper says CCIQ will ensure the voice of the state’s businesses are heard by government and the roundtable has clear employer representation on workforce issues.   

“It’s great CCIQ has been invited to contribute to the Queensland Workforce Strategy implementation so directly,” Ms Cooper said.   

“We welcome the strategy and the State Government’s commitment to a strong and diverse workforce with increased, skills and adaptability. 

“This is an exciting time in Queensland with a decade of opportunities ahead of us. Now is the time for us to be working together to resolve ongoing workforce issues to best prepare businesses to seize these opportunities.   

“CCIQ will sit at the table with community, employer, training and representative groups to ensure a collaborative approach. This is our opportunity to collectively work with government, industry and the community to support businesses to best manage their workforces, now and into the future.”  

Minister for Employment and Small Business Di Farmer and Heidi Cooper at the launch of the Queensland Workforce Strategy

Ms Cooper said CCIQ data showed close to 80 per cent of businesses said a lack of suitable applicants was impacting their ability to recruit and retain staff while two thirds of businesses said those who did apply didn’t have the necessary skills or qualifications for the job.    

“We’re seeing these challenges affecting businesses of all shapes and sizes from right across the state,” Ms Cooper said.   

“Businesses will need innovative and transformative solutions to meet workforce demands now and long-term and this roundtable is the opportunity to see new, reimagined workforces take shape for the future.”  

The roundtable’s key functions include guiding the development and implementation of actions emerging from the Strategy and providing advice on long term structural workforce issues.  

Ms Cooper said she would particularly champion transformational solutions around increasing labour costs, skills shortage, and support for re-training with a view to boost jobs and productivity - and make it easier for businesses to be competitive and attract and retain staff.  

“Our goal is to help position Queensland businesses to capture the once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for growth, diversification and sustainability that will come from events like the 2032 Olympics, as well as drive initiatives that will make this state the best place in the nation to work and operate a business,” Ms Cooper said.