- Budget delivers the foundation for a fresh start with new TAFE Centres of Excellence to ease the skills shortage.
- Boosting support for apprentices and trainees and fast-tracking world-class training hubs in Moreton Bay, Caloundra, Rockhampton and the Redlands to build the workforce of tomorrow.
- Budget to focus on helping Queensland exporters break into new markets and grow jobs.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland with more training and employment opportunities to help address the skills shortage left by Labor.
The $1.6 billion Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Budget lays the foundation of a fresh start for a stronger economy.
Under the Crisafulli Government, Queensland is open for business, with a return of regulatory and taxation certainty to restore our State's position as a safe and secure investment opportunity.
With one in five local jobs supported by exports, the Budget includes $5 million in 2025-26 to help Queensland businesses expand into new international markets and strengthen existing trade relationships.
The Budget delivers a major investment in the next generation of skilled workers to support new investment in our State, including a $201.1 million investment into new TAFE Centres of Excellence over four years.
That includes $40 million in 2025-26 to train the tradies of tomorrow, from electricians and carpenters to chefs, welders, and mechanics, who will help build the infrastructure our communities rely on, as well as the 2032 Games infrastructure.
Key initiatives include:
- $78 million for a new TAFE Centre of Excellence in Caloundra.
- $13.6 million to expand the Great Barrier Reef International Marine College in Cairns.
- $61.1 million for the new Rockhampton TAFE Excellence Precinct.
- $60 million for a new TAFE Centre of Excellence in Moreton Bay.
- $2 million for a new Marine Centre of Excellence for the Southern Moreton Bay Islands.
- $21.4 million to renew and revitalise existing training facilities.
- $79.1 million for the Transforming Queensland manufacturing program.
- $80 million for Skilling Queenslanders for Work.
- $7 million for the Workforce Connect Fund.
- $20 million for the Crisafulli Government's Returning To Work program with grants to help cover the cost of transitioning back to work for women after having children, caring for family or illness.
- $10 million for Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s, to remove tuition fees and make trade training more accessible and affordable.
- $50 million to leverage the National Skills Agreement, which will strengthen TAFE Queensland, grow the training workforce, and close the skills gap for First Nations people.
- Funding to support the Regional Jobs Committee program for another 2 years to help close skills gaps in critical industries.
- $1.6 billion over five years, on top of the $450 million already invested in the Electricity Maintenance Guarantee, to help deliver affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
The Budget will also support the work being done to enhance the performance and culture of Queensland's government-owned corporations to deliver better services and value for Queenslanders through important capital projects.
Treasurer David Janetzki said the 2025-26 Budget was about delivering for Queensland with a plan for Queensland's future.
"We promised a fresh start for Queensland and that's exactly what this Budget delivers," Treasurer Janetzki said.
"After crises in youth crime, health, housing and cost of living, this Budget delivers the foundations for safety where you live, health services when you need them, a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a plan for Queensland's future."
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, Ros Bates, said the Budget was delivering more trade and investment opportunities, better training outcomes and more jobs for Queenslanders.
"This Budget backs Queenslanders with the opportunities to succeed, the skills they need, and the jobs they deserve – on the global stage and at home," Minister Bates said.
"We are delivering stability, certainty and enabling growth for our trading partners and for Queensland businesses – which is critical during the current period of global trade volatility.
"Queensland's future is global, and we are open for business.
"This is critical to ensure we can provide access to high-quality training and employment opportunities, which is at the heart of strong communities and resilient regional economies.
"Under Labor, too many Queenslanders were left behind – training infrastructure was neglected, apprenticeships stalled, and trade opportunities were missed.
"By backing our exporters in this Budget we're rebuilding Queensland's global reputation and creating jobs that last."
