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The Queensland Government is launching a new campaign - ‘Give it a Go’ – urging thousands of Australians to travel to Queensland to fill the huge demand for workers in the state’s tourism industry as travel restrictions ease.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the ‘Give it a Go’ campaign had been developed after feedback with the industry revealed thousands of jobs vacancies throughout the noting “with the reopening of our borders and a market blitz in NSW and Victoria, we’re seeing thousands of tourists booking holidays in Queensland over Christmas. We’ve got a jobs bonanza in Queensland.

“Where possible, we want Queenslanders to take up these jobs. But there are so many positions up for grabs, we’re also widening the search to other states.

“Whether it’s being a barista at Burleigh, a waiter in the Whitsundays or a kitchen hand in Cairns our regional centres have jobs on hand and they want to see you now.

Premier Palaszczuk added “Thanks to the way we’ve managed this health crisis, we’re now able to rebuild our economy. It’s been a tough year for the tourism industry. It’s great to see many tourism businesses start to recover.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the ‘Give it a Go’ jobs program came about after feedback from the industry about attracting workers to the regions for summer.

Minister Hinchliffe advised “with the closure of the Australian border because of COVID, there are fewer young travellers to take up jobs in Queensland’s tourism industry. New data shows there is an increase of more than 30% in tourism job vacancies to be filled.

“For young Queenslanders who’ve just finished school, snapping up a job in the regional tourism industry is a great gap-year adventure.

“There’s endless potential to work in the morning and spend the rest of the day at the beach or seeing the sights.    

“And we know there are many older people travelling around the state in campers and caravans who also want work to cover petrol costs or extra spending money.  

“The tourism industry is vitally important to Queensland and we are working with the sector to rebuild for the long term.

“Our ‘Give it a Go’ jobs initiative will help tourism operators to re-open and deliver a warm Queensland welcome to domestic visitors over the summer holidays.”

Minister Hinchliffe said ‘Give it a Go’ job seekers would be entitled to a $300 discount to get to their employment destination with Greyhound Queensland. The Working in Queensland WhimIt pass will be valid for 90 days and available for purchase until 31st January 2021 at $399.

In addition, Queensland Rail’s Regional Workforce fare will offer 60% off one-way fares for travel along the coast from Brisbane up to Cairns. This offer will be available for purchase until 31st January 2021.

To qualify for the discounted offers, workers will need evidence of a job offer in Queensland’s tourism industry.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind said the ‘Give it a Go’ initiative would help thousands of tourism operators take on more bookings over Christmas.

Gschwind added “the ‘Good to Go’ campaign along with the reopening of our borders is driving huge demand for the industry.

“Businesses are ready to build the recovery for Queensland. We’re trying to fill vacancies within Queensland first but there are so many jobs, we need to find extra support further afield.

“This initiative will help us to make the most of the vital summer holiday seasons.”

For more information on ‘Give it a Go’ in Queensland this summer go to qld.gov.au/giveitago   

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