Queensland Forecasts Massive Jobs Boom with 185,000 New Roles and Skills Overhaul
Queensland is on track for a significant jobs surge, with 185,000 additional roles forecast over the next four years, driving the state’s total employment growth to 6.2 per cent by 2028–29. This strong growth is confirmed by the latest Anticipating Future Skills (AFS) analysis from Jobs Queensland, which provides a roadmap for meeting future training needs.
The forecast indicates that the workforce is set to expand to more than 3.15 million by 2028–29. Beyond the creation of new positions, replacement demand will generate an additional 250,000 job openings by 2029, creating over 430,000 job opportunities in total in the near future. This offers a substantial boost for young Queenslanders seeking to secure good jobs and build their future.
Industry Leaders: Health Care Tops the List
The AFS analysis identifies six critical industries projected to grow faster than the State average of 6.2 per cent.
Health Care and Social Assistance is set to be the single biggest driver, forecast to increase by 12.7 per cent (adding 62,400 jobs). This sector will eventually employ one in six Queenslanders.
Other key sectors projected for high growth include:
- Public Administration and Safety: 11.3 per cent (23,800 jobs). This growth includes expansion across all levels of government, driven partly by increased demand for public order, safety, and regulatory services, decentralization of the Australian Public Service (APS) to Brisbane, increased employment in local councils, and defence sector growth.
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: 8.2 per cent (18,900 jobs).
- Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services: 7.9 per cent (3,700 jobs).
- Education and Training: 7.6 per cent (19,000 jobs).
- Arts and Recreation Services: 7.1 per cent (3,500 jobs).
Jobs Queensland Board Chair Professor Michael Drew noted that the state’s workforce is changing rapidly, seeing the strongest growth in care and knowledge economy jobs, while traditional industries are becoming more specialized and tech-driven. Professor Drew stated that the AFS data helps Queensland look ahead with confidence, giving industry, training providers, and jobseekers a clear view of where opportunities are growing.
Regional Queensland Set for Strongest Growth
Regional Queensland is highlighted as the primary beneficiary of this job growth. The strongest regional employment growth in a generation is anticipated.
The regions leading the State in job growth projections are:
- Moreton Bay: 9.3 per cent growth (9,100 jobs).
- Logan–Beaudesert: 7.4 per cent growth (11,000 jobs).
- Ipswich: 7.4 per cent growth (11,900 jobs).
- Gold Coast: 7.0 per cent growth (25,300 jobs).
Government Response and Investment in Skills
The Crisafulli Government stated that it is delivering a fresh start for Queensland and is focused on securing a pipeline of skilled workers to fix essential services.
The Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, The Honourable Ros Bates, said the report confirms Queensland is on track for a jobs surge and underscores why the Crisafulli Government is investing in skills to meet demand.
“Jobs Queensland is forecasting a jobs boom over the next four years, with huge demand for skilled roles that keep Queenslanders healthy, safe and at the forefront of innovation,” Minister Bates said.
To support this forecast growth and ensure Queenslanders have the right skills, in the right place, at the right time, the government is implementing the Right Skills Strategy 2025–2028. This includes significant investment:
- $201.1 million for four new TAFE Centres of Excellence.
- Expanded apprenticeships in priority sectors.
- Free and low-cost training.
- Industry-led micro-credentials that respond quickly to emerging needs.
The Minister further stated that the Crisafulli LNP Government is rebuilding Queensland’s training system from the ground up, utilizing initiatives like Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s, expanding Gateway to Industry Schools, and building new TAFE Centres of Excellence. The government sees this effort as delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
Source: statements.qld.gov.au
English