QUEENSLAND'S ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN - Protecting our health Creating jobs Working together - Queensland COVID-19
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QUEENSLAND’S
ECONOMIC
RECOVERY PLAN
Protecting our health
Creating jobs
Working together
covid19.qld.gov.au
© The State of Queensland 2020 Attribution
Content from the Queensland's Economic Recovery Plan should be
Copyright attributed to: © The State of Queensland, Queensland's Economic
This publication is protected by the Copyright Act 1968 Recovery Plan.
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Contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 03
TOWARDS RECOVERY 05
STRONG FOUNDATIONS 06
COVID-19 TIMELINE 08
HIGHLIGHTS 10
OUR PLAN FOR QUEENSLAND’S FUTURE 14
SAFEGUARDING OUR HEALTH 18
BACKING SMALL BUSINESS 22
MAKING IT FOR QUEENSLAND 26
BUILDING QUEENSLAND 30
GROWING OUR REGIONS 34
INVESTING IN SKILLS 42
IMMEDIATE RESPONSE 46
PREPARED IN PARTNERSHIP 56
20 AUGUST 2020 1
MESSAGE FROM MESSAGE FROM
THE PREMIER THE TREASURER
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk MP The Honourable Cameron Dick MP
This year we have faced a challenge like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic has tested Queenslanders
As Premier, I am proud of the way we have collectively responded like never before.
to this crisis but there is a long road ahead. Together, the Queensland Government has worked with
We were the first to act with a package of measures now totalling communities across our state, with companies large and small,
over $7 billion, focusing support where it is needed most. to protect Queensland jobs and support Queensland businesses.
From providing Queensland households with bill relief to payroll Queensland is currently in a strong position thanks to the early
tax relief for businesses and accelerating projects to unlock actions taken to address the health and economic impacts of the
development and increase construction activity, the breadth of pandemic.
our response is reflective of the scale of the challenge we face. Across Australia, governments are grappling with the serious fiscal
We have a lot to be proud of: and economic impact of COVID-19. In June 2020, a record 645,000
Australians lost their jobs.
• health workers who are making huge sacrifices and putting
others before themselves While the Queensland Government’s actions have cushioned the
blow for many working families and businesses, the pandemic has
• businesses constantly adapting and innovating
driven a sharp rise in the state’s unemployment rate, as well as the
• t eachers and workers in our schools providing a safe place numbers of underemployed Queenslanders.
for our children to learn
Behind every statistic there is a Queensland worker, family or
• e
very single Queenslander playing their role in stopping business enduring the real impacts of COVID-19.
the spread of COVID-19.
The sooner we can get more Queenslanders working again, the
There are so many more examples and I know in this sooner our economy can recover.
unprecedented environment there are people in our state who
are doing it incredibly tough. We will continue to stimulate and support the economy now,
while investing in the skills, infrastructure and industries to
As a government, it is our job to not only respond to the immediate support growth and build back better than ever.
challenges but work at every level and across every sector with an
eye on the horizon. While we plan for the future, we also stand ready to act in the
face of continued uncertainty. That’s why our ongoing work
This plan underlines our commitment to work in partnership on with industry and the community, together with our continued
a long-term response. investment in safeguarding Queenslanders’ health is so critical
I want to assure Queenslanders that we will not take our eye off the to the economy.
ball. We will stay the course and not only see this through but build I am confident we can unite and recover for the benefit of all
back better. Queenslanders now and into the future.
We need to make more in Queensland.
We will continue to respond quickly in the short term but always
have our eye on the long term.
We will continue to put Queensland first.
2 20 AUGUST 2020
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
Recovering from COVID-19 is a long-term challenge
that requires a long-term response.
We are reminded daily that the world This sound economic and fiscal position keep the economy moving while also
around us has changed. The threat enabled the Queensland Government positioning the state for the 'new normal'.
posed by this pandemic will not ease to be the first to act in Australia. To This approach has been about protecting
soon. This is a plan for Queensland’s date, Queensland has responded with a Queenslanders now and focusing on
long-term future. package now totalling over $7 billion to the future:
The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged support businesses, workers and families
• fast-tracking capital projects to
economies and communities globally and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
immediately support construction
our state is not immune from its effects. The immediate stimulus has been quickly jobs, while also investing in productive
It has taken lives and livelihoods, created targeted to where it is needed most – economic infrastructure to improve the
global and local economic challenges and from boosting health capacity, such economic resilience of our regions and
compromised community wellbeing. as expanding fever clinics, to targeted position our state for future success
Our state economy will never be the same. support for Queensland businesses and
• providing timely support for our
workers such as payroll tax relief, industry
That is why this plan recognises the need traditional sectors like tourism,
support, relief for workers and businesses
to respond to and recover from COVID-19, while simultaneously exploring
who lost their income, concessional jobs
but also that a long-term response is new opportunities for future jobs
support loans and bill relief on utilities
needed to the continuing changes the in emerging sectors such as
and electricity.
pandemic is creating. hydrogen energy
The government has also invested in
Queensland has had a swift and shovel-ready job-creating local and
sustained response to the crisis – from regional works initiatives supporting
both health and economic perspectives. essential services, economic development
Protecting community health and ensuring and community well-being.
our economic wellbeing are inextricably In addition to the immediate stimulus,
linked and will continue to remain so as investment in sustained and staged
we navigate through this crisis. measures in recent months has
Queensland’s world-leading health underlined the government’s commitment
response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to work in partnership with industry to
strong economic foundation has put us in
an advantageous position for recovery.
As we entered the pandemic this
included:
• an economy growing faster than the
nation at 2.4 per cent
• five years of budget surpluses
• a lower debt position than 2015
• over $19 billion health budget
• the largest four-year infrastructure
spend in nearly a decade.
20 AUGUST 2020 3
4
• providing grants to impacted The clear aim of this plan is to deliver on
businesses, while also ensuring the the vision – safeguarding community
workforce and our future job seekers health, maintaining our focus on local jobs
gain the digital skills that will be Building Queensland and working in partnership to get results.
needed as our economy changes Driving investment in the infrastructure It will be measured by the success of our
• assisting our major iconic private sector that supports our recovery, resilience economy benefitting all Queenslanders
employers to survive the challenge and future prosperity. with access to job opportunities,
of shutdown, while also using the health care, education, housing and
state’s purchasing power to buy local
and strengthen our manufacturing 5 infrastructure.
It will be measured by our regionally
capability and local supply chains. Growing our regions based industries of tourism, resources,
As Queenslanders we should feel proud of Helping Queensland’s regions grow by manufacturing, construction and
what we have collectively achieved since attracting people, talent and investment, agriculture continuing to be the
COVID-19 first struck our shores. However, and driving sustainable economic foundations of the state’s economy
there is also a common understanding prosperity. while also opening up new opportunities
that complacency is not an option, through innovative thinking and
6
and while the investment and effort in emerging sectors.
recent months has been unprecedented,
It will be measured on our ability to
maintaining the momentum is critical.
Investing in skills not just secure the jobs of today but
for emerging industries to thrive in our
Ensuring Queenslanders have the skills regions, with a skilled workforce equipped
Focus on the future they need to find meaningful jobs and set for the jobs of the future, providing a
There is no doubt that the challenge up pathways for the future. sense of confidence and optimism.
before us is immense. We must
These priorities have been identified
continue to rapidly respond to emerging
following wide-ranging consultation. This
threats, but also innovate to seize the
has included the Premier’s Queensland
opportunities to build a stronger future.
Industry Recovery Alliance, a partnership
This plan outlines six key areas of focus formed between the Queensland
over the next two to five years: Government and 24 peak industry, union
and community bodies with the single
1 focus of creating and saving jobs across
the state.
Safeguarding our health Industry-specific forums, together with
Safeguarding our health and jobs by consultation with regional leaders across
keeping Queensland pandemic ready. the state, have provided invaluable
insights into the unique challenges faced
2
by Queensland industries and regions,
and the actions needed to support
workforces and businesses through
Backing small business COVID-19.
Helping small business, the backbone This plan allows for a staged, adaptable
of our economy, thrive in a changing approach to economic recovery.
environment.
It builds on the immediate actions over
the past months to get Queenslanders
3 back to work and kick start our economy.
It lays the foundations for our future
Making it for Queensland success: creating jobs, investing in skills,
restoring confidence, and establishing
Growing manufacturing across traditional
the right conditions for a diverse and
and new industries, making new products
resilient economy.
in new ways and creating new jobs.
The strong focus on partnerships
continues because we know that to not
just recover but recover better requires
collaboration at all levels. Collaboration
between federal, state and local
governments and with businesses,
industry, our workforce and
4 20 AUGUST 2020 communities is vital.
TOWARDS
RECOVERY
With our ambition being to not just Our vision:
build back but build back better,
the vision for recovery is three-fold. Protecting our health
Creating jobs
Firstly, given the nature of the crisis – a global pandemic with
a vaccine yet to be developed – we must continue to focus on
protecting Queenslanders’ health. This is and will continue to be
a foundation of our economic recovery.
Secondly, while Queensland entered the pandemic in a strong
Working together
economic position, the global nature of the crisis has challenged
industries and business, large and small, in ways that we have
never experienced. Having an agile and adaptable approach
to job creation which not only supports traditional sectors
but capitalises on emerging opportunities is key to our future
success.
Thirdly, partnerships will be paramount on the road to recovery.
The magnitude of this crisis means that a collaborative approach
across all levels of government and the private sector is vital.
20 AUGUST 2020 5
STRONG
FOUNDATIONS
As we came together to flatten the curve Queensland businesses, workers and The number of Queenslanders in a job
and save lives, Queensland’s strong communities to respond to COVID-19. increased by 250,000 since January 2015,
disaster management framework – borne The Queensland Government was only and we recorded a population growth
of necessity from cyclones, floods and able to provide this support because we rate of 1.6 per cent in the 12 months
fires – meant we were well prepared to were in a strong budget position well to December 2019, above the national
face the pandemic. ahead of the virus, with lower debt than in average of 1.4 per cent.
The Queensland Government has led 2015 and five years of budget surpluses. So, while COVID-19 has hit the
Australian states in protecting its people The Queensland economy is also built Queensland economy hard, we know that
and businesses. on strong foundations. if we can restore business confidence
Queensland was the first state in Australia and get people back in jobs, the
We have made record investments in economic fundamentals are there to drive
to declare a health emergency and health, education and training, and
provide financial assistance. investment and growth as we come back
infrastructure. stronger than before.
Through our staged approach, we have Prior to the onset of COVID-19, the
provided over $7 billion to support Queensland economy was growing
faster than the national average.
Starting from a strong position:
An economy growing Population growing 250,000 new jobs
faster than the nation faster than the nation since 2015
at 2.4 per cent at 1.6 per cent
$84.2 billion goods Retail trade up Lower debt position
exports in 2019, more 4.7 per cent in 2019, than 2015
than NSW, Victoria and strongest in the nation
Tasmania combined
The largest 4 year Over $19 billion A record $14.9 billion
infrastructure spend in health budget education and
nearly a decade at training budget
$51.8 billion
6 20 AUGUST 2020
Queensland – a great place
Agriculture and resources
to invest and do business
continuing to power our regions
While other sectors were under significant
restrictions, our resources and agricultural
sectors have helped Queensland’s economy
to keep going.
Our agriculture and food industries continue to employ over 80,000 Queenslanders
to produce high-quality products for domestic and international consumers. Our
major commodities such as beef, sugar and bulk commodities have continued
exporting through the pandemic, and were worth nearly
$10 billion to the Queensland economy in 2019-20.
Domestically, the sector has pivoted to maintain supply of goods to consumers.
The Queensland Government will continue Fresh produce has been diverted from the accommodation and food service sector
to create an environment to attract and and export markets to meet increased retail demand. While the livestock and
support business investment. seafood industry has pursued frozen products, and the horticulture sector has
transformed fresh products into value-added and long-life alternatives.
Maintaining our competitiveness and
leveraging the State’s economic strengths Also powering regional Queensland through COVID-19 is our traditional strength
and natural advantages will be critical to in resources. The resources industry employs around 65,000 Queenslanders and
our future growth. is the largest employer in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region and the second
largest employer in Outback Queensland.
Queensland’s business environment is
already highly competitive: Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our mines have kept Queenslanders
employed by exporting high-quality metallurgical and thermal coal, gas,
• Taxation per capita in Queensland is
aluminium, zinc and other mineral resource endowments. In 2019-20, export
expected to be $690 lower than the
revenue for these commodities exceeded $63 billion. The sector also continues to
average of other states and territories in
be an important source of royalties, with $5.2 billion being contributed in 2018-19.
2019-20 (based on the latest estimates
published by other jurisdictions). Into the future, Queensland’s resources sector will be the source of important
• Queensland has, on average, the raw materials for economic recovery, including metallurgical coal for steel used in
lowest wholesale electricity prices on infrastructure and new economy minerals for renewable energy products.
the eastern seaboard.
• Our relatively affordable property
market and enviable lifestyle helps
businesses attract skilled staff.
Our plan will drive Queensland’s
competitiveness so that the state remains
an attractive investment destination for
global and domestic businesses.
The priorities in the plan will help to
reduce red tape and minimise costs
for businesses, provide reliable and
affordable energy, encourage skills,
foster exports and build the productivity-
enhancing infrastructure needed to
support business investment, economic
growth and jobs across Queensland.
20 AUGUST 2020 7
COVID-19
TIMELINE
9 Jan
World Health Organization
(WHO)confirms outbreak of
novel coronavirus in China
20 Mar
Australian international borders closed
and social distancing introduced
25 Jan
First
Australian
case of 24 Mar
COVID-19 Restrictions introduced across Australia
confirmed
in Victoria 11 Mar
29 Jan
COVID-19 declared a 26 Mar
Public health
global pandemic
emergency Queensland state
25 Jan by WHO
declared by border restrictions
Queensland Queensland commence
State Health Government
Emergency 20 Apr
Coordination Queensland schools
Centre commence home
activated based learning
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL
GOVERNMENT
INITIATIVES 18 Feb
Queensland announces
first industry assistance
package
2 Mar
24 Mar
Queensland announces payroll
tax deferral for SMEs Queensland announces
$4 billion support package
17 Mar
Queensland announces first round of
$1 billion business loan facility
22 Mar
Queensland provides
$10 million to fast-track
vaccine project
18 Mar
Queensland announces emergency
planning reforms to support business
8 20 AUGUST 202016 May 3 Jul
Pubs, clubs, Major lifting of
restaurants and restrictions – larger
cafes permitted events and workers
to reopen can return to offices
(Stage 1 easing (Stage 3 easing
of restrictions) of restrictions)
STOP
1 Jun
Increased size of gatherings
10 Jul 8 Aug
and resumption of travel Queensland’s state Queensland
(Stage 2 easing of restrictions) border restrictions eased state border
restrictions resume
MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST
16 Jun 15 Jul
Stage 2 $90 million
8 May industry skills and
assistance training package
Queensland
provided announced by
Roadmap for
Queensland
easing
Government
restrictions
released 19 May
Queensland’s
economic recovery
strategy and stage 1
support package released
20 AUGUST 2020 9HIGHLIGHTS
Through our staged assistance package, the Queensland Government
has supported businesses, households and communities through the
start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Over
$7billion
in relief and support
Around
55,000
jobs supported
through capital works and other key initiatives
Supporting businesses
to help keep 334,000
Queenslanders in jobs
10 20 AUGUST 2020$196 million
grants for up to 20,000 small businesses
$950 million $400 million
payroll tax relief land tax relief and deferrals
Almost
$1 billion
job loans to 7,000 businesses
20 AUGUST 2020 11HIGHLIGHTS
2.1 million
households to receive
utility rebates
$1.2 billion 28,000
health response registered for the Care Army
123,000 $10 million
completed COVID Work Seniors &
Safe Training Accessibility Assistance
$70 million extension
Back to Work
12 20 AUGUST 2020$51.8 billion
Infrastructure guarantee
$13.9 billion capital
program in 2020-21
$200 million $250 million
to local councils
Building Acceleration Fund for construction works
Over 1,200 jobs Around $220 million
from road stimulus for housing construction
$50 million $50 million
to fast track tourism projects Making it for Queensland
and assist tourism icons
20 AUGUST 2020 13OUR PLAN FOR
QUEENSLAND’S
FUTURE
Queensland’s recovery will be driven
by actions to encourage growth,
competitiveness and job creation
across our state. We will learn from
COVID-19, adapt and prosper in
a changed world.
Our vision is three-fold: protecting
Queenslanders’ health, creating
jobs and working together.
Our plan sets out the Queensland
Government’s approach to achieve
our vision and put Queensland on a
recovery pathway to build back better
and create the conditions for
future success.
As we adapt to new ways of working,
and identify new solutions to old and
emerging challenges, we will focus
our attention on the opportunities
that will improve Queensland’s
competitiveness, productivity
and resilience.
14 20 AUGUST 2020OUR PLAN FOCUSES ON
six priority areas
TO ACHIEVE OUR VISION FOR QUEENSLAND’S FUTURE
1 2 3
Safeguarding our health Backing small business Making it for Queensland
The most important part of our recovery to Small businesses are the backbone We will build on our proud manufacturing
date has been Queensland’s strong health of the Queensland economy and tradition and diversify into new industries
response, together with a clear pathway to have been among the hardest hit by to create more jobs for Queenslanders.
easing restrictions. That’s why our number COVID-19. By prioritising the recovery We will foster growth precincts across the
one priority continues to be safeguarding of small businesses, we are prioritising state by bringing manufacturers, skilled
the health of all Queenslanders and Queensland’s recovery as we shift to workers and supply chains together to
building resilience by ensuring we are the 'new normal.' power regional development. We will
ready for future outbreaks and supporting work with industry to adopt innovative
the wellbeing of our diverse communities. manufacturing techniques to enhance
global competitiveness.
4 5 6
Building Queensland Growing our Regions Investing in skills
Our infrastructure guarantee provides Our plan will help Queensland’s regions Now is the time to equip Queenslanders
industry with the confidence needed to grow from a strong and stable base with the skills needed in our future
invest in Queensland, protecting and in agriculture and resource sectors economy. We will build workforce
creating jobs within the construction to attract talent and investment and resilience and adaptability through
industry and supply chains. To drive drive sustainable economic prosperity. facilitating upskilling and lifelong
recovery and future prosperity, we will We will provide more opportunities learning to support job opportunities
encourage investment in Queensland and and connection by enhancing digital for Queenslanders.
support industry by streamlining planning connectivity in our regions. We will
approvals to unlock growth opportunities continue to invest in clean energy and
across the state. water which are critical resources for the
competitiveness of our regions.
20 AUGUST 2020 15THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE
OF OUR LIFETIME
WE ARE PREPARED
The COVID-19 pandemic may be one of the greatest challenges Throughout Queensland’s history, we have been confronted by
we have ever faced. Queenslanders have told us about how it has and rebuilt from many disasters. When a bridge floods, we rebuild
changed how we live and work, where we can go, what we can do it higher, so it won’t flood next time. Our response to COVID-19
and our place in the world. While uncertain, further change may should be similar. This plan is about building back better.
still lie ahead. The plan responds to the challenges of COVID-19 and seeks to
create opportunities from it to best position Queensland in a
world where COVID-19 remains a threat.
16 20 AUGUST 2020Queenslanders have told How we will respond Priority
us COVID-19 means and recover
Threats to COVID-19 will be with us for years to come…and We will make protecting our health a Protect health
there may be other threats to our health in the centrepiece of our recovery, ensuring we
our health future. maintain our preparedness.
Social Even though we have had to maintain social We will focus on supporting our Protect health
distance during the pandemic, we have relied on communities and capturing the spirit of the
distance each other more than ever before. In some ways Care Army to ensure we support each other
we have become closer. going forward.
Isolation Isolation and financial uncertainty have been We will increase support for mental health Protect health
tough on many people and coping can be hard. so people can get the help they need to be
resilient in tough times.
Change During COVID-19, we’ve been able to “change the We will work to streamline small business Back small
rules” quickly to make things happen – how can regulation, making it easier to do business business
the rules we make this the “future normal”. in Queensland.
Going online More and more people are going online – We will prioritise building Queensland’s Back small
for work, for study and, to keep in touch. digital connectivity in regional communities business
Consumers are changing their behaviour – and providing Queenslanders with the Grow regions
shopping online instead of instore. digital skills they need for the future.
Local Australia has long relied on getting many things We will encourage making more in Making it for
we need from overseas, but that is harder now. Queensland, reshoring manufacturing Queensland
suppliers For some things, like medical supplies, we can’t currently undertaken overseas and
afford not to be able to have local suppliers. supporting local businesses to be
globally competitive.
Come Australians have come together like never before We will partner with industry, businesses, Building
to fight the virus – leaving aside our differences unions, conservation groups, researchers Queensland
together for the common good. The impacts of COVID-19 and local government to unite and recover
are going to last a long time and we need to work and provide long-term certainty around
and plan together. infrastructure.
Queensland Queensland has never looked better as a place We will encourage people to consider Grow regions
to live and with more and more going online, you moving to regional Queensland by driving
never looked don’t need to live in the capital city to do your work. regional growth opportunities, and
better connecting our regions digitally.
Queensland Around the world, so many countries have struggled We will build on Queensland’s reputation as Grow regions
to combat the virus – Australia and Queensland a safe, clean and green location to attract
stands out stand out for our success to date. new investment and promote our exports
to the world.
Travel The resumption of international travel is We are confident that in the future Grow regions
uncertain, making it difficult for industries like international travel will again become
uncertain tourism and international education that rely possible and visitors will again come to
Invest in skills
on visitors to recover. Queensland. We will work with impacted Back small
sectors to prepare for the future. business
Jobs will Some jobs will change as a result of COVID-19, We will help ensure Queenslanders have the Invest in skills
but we will still need people to do the skilled work skills they need to get a good job in this new
change that underpins our economy. People are uncertain world and to reskill if their job changes. And
about what the future holds. This particularly affects we will work to ensure young people are not
young people and we don’t want them left behind. left behind as we get out of COVID-19.
20 AUGUST 2020 17Our plan for Queensland’s future
Priority area 1
SAFEGUARDING
OUR HEALTH
Our plan will safeguard your health – and your job – SUPPORTING
by keeping Queensland pandemic ready QUEENSLANDERS’
MENTAL HEALTH
The government responded quickly to the It also means developing our own The pandemic has taken a toll on many
early impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. capacity to fight the virus by harnessing Queenslanders and supporting mental
We committed $1.2 billion to the health Queensland medical research and health is a key part of the recovery process.
sector to expand fever clinics, emergency producing more PPE and medical We know that we need to do more to support
department capacity, acute care services equipment locally. Queenslanders experiencing mental illness
and regional aeromedical services for and mental health challenges due to the
remote communities. impacts of COVID-19.
We built strong contact tracing and testing
BUILDING
To truly respond to mental health challenges
capability to underpin our immediate COMMUNITY requires a localised, community-led
and ongoing response to the pandemic
and mobilised resources from across the
RESILIENCE approach.
Supporting the health, wellbeing and That is why, as a key part of this plan, the
public sector to back our health effort.
resilience of Queenslanders is a key government has announced $46.5 million
As the pandemic impacts continued to for localised mental health community
priority of this government.
unfold, the Queensland Government treatment and support services.
worked with local manufacturers to Demands for social services support
have increased as a result of the These local responses are designed to
address gaps in the supply chain,
pandemic. We recognise the impact the be flexible and will be stood up rapidly to
encouraging Queensland firms able to
current situation has had on the wellbeing meet the needs of individuals, families and
support our health response by pivoting
of individuals, families and communities. communities.
to produce essential personal protective
equipment (PPE). Working in partnership with the This initiative will help to reduce the strain
community services sector, we will on our emergency departments and provide
build on a range of existing programs to additional support across the state for those
PANDEMIC improve public health and help those in Queenslanders doing it tough.
READY our communities who need support. It will also build on existing partnerships
Investing in community infrastructure between the public, private and non-
This pandemic has shown that our
and critical services will lead to new government sectors to help respond quickly
long-term economic success will depend
opportunities and improved social and effectively to people in need.
on our ability to protect the health and
wellbeing of Queenslanders. We will and economic inclusion for many
ensure Queensland is ready for any future Queenslanders. We are already mandating
outbreaks by further investing in our planning requirements to support healthy
capacity to respond. and active Queensland communities,
ensuring walkable residential
This means continuing to invest in
neighbourhoods and access to local
preparedness planning and building our
parks and open spaces.
critical supply reserve of medicines and
medical devices for future public health
emergencies or natural disasters.
18 20 AUGUST 2020CASE STUDY
Protecting our health workers
in uncertain times
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted global stock This will ensure a steady supply of key PPE items if the
shortages of PPE, supply chain challenges and the need arises - including more than 900 days of surgical
importance of having access to sufficient stock. masks, more than 200 days of medical gowns, and
While Queensland has not experienced the critical close to 300 days of gloves.
stock shortages realised by other healthcare providers The original site is currently holding approximately
across the world, good planning and ongoing vigilance 120 million pieces of PPE across 9,500 pallet spaces,
to protect our frontline workers is key. including those all-important items such as surgical
Queensland’s stockpiles of supplies of PPE will be masks, gloves and protective eyewear.
increased by tens of millions of pieces, with a newly From early September the facility will span 15,500m2
expanded bulk storage site at Inala in Brisbane. – adding an extra 4,500 pallet spaces – and based on
The Inala storage site facility will expand by 50 per cent current stock storage is set to increase to around
and add to existing distribution centres and regional 180 million pieces of PPE.
warehouses across the state. Having this expanded site ensures Queensland will
continue to have enough critical supplies of PPE for
our healthcare workers who play an essential role in
keeping Queensland communities safe.
20 AUGUST 2020 19Our plan for Queensland’s future
Priority area 1
SAFEGUARDING
OUR HEALTH
STRONG HIGHLIGHTED ACTION
HEALTH SYSTEM TO DATE
Over the past three years, the Queensland The Queensland Government has taken Critical to this work was the establishment
Government has delivered record health key actions as part of the Queensland of the Essential Goods Supply Committee
budgets to enhance health services, Health COVID-19 Response Plan, including: in March 2020. The committee brought
facilities and health promotion programs • expanding fever clinics, contact together a wide range of industry and
to keep Queenslanders of all ages healthy tracing, intensive care and emergency government stakeholders to share
and active. department capacity, and acute care important information, address supply
With planned expenditure of over services for remote communities blockages caused by unprecedented
$3 billion from 2020-21 to 2023-24, • fast-tracking the development of consumer demand for staple food
Queenslanders across the state will see a COVID-19 vaccine by supporting and grocery products, and enable
expansions and upgrades to their local University of Queensland researchers manufacturers and suppliers to connect
health infrastructure. directly to address emerging challenges.
• providing grants to 130 community-
COVID-19 has strengthened the based health service groups – including This included changes to operating hours
collaboration and cooperation between community mental health groups – to of loading docks and distribution centres
the primary care and hospital sectors. ensure vital services can continue to keep our supermarket shelves stocked
We will leverage our success in managing • providing over $21 million to combat and temporary use licences that have
the pandemic to grow job opportunities, the spread of COVID-19 amongst First allowed a brewer to pivot to the production
improve liveability, attract investment Nations Queenslanders. of hand sanitiser. Necessary changes to
and maintain our local capacity to meet the planning framework were made in
We also delivered a range of initiatives to
healthcare needs, including emerging March 2020 to support business transition
ensure continued distribution of essential
mental health issues. and innovation and ensure access to
supplies, such as PPE and food and
critical supplies.
grocery products.
BUILDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS
Boost your Healthy
In addition to the launch of an online resource hub, Queenslanders were
encouraged to participate in a series of challenges, commencing with The Billion
Steps Challenge. Achieved in just 32 days, residents from over 300 postcodes
participated in the challenge, delivered in partnership with 10,000 Steps.
With the help of our Principal Partner, Sport and Recreation Queensland,
professional athletes also issued daily challenges to support Queenslanders
to stay active while staying at home.
To support healthy home cooking The Queensland Country Women’s Association
(QCWA) Cook at Home Challenge was delivered with The QCWA Country Kitchens
program and the My Health for Life Wellbeing Series empowered Queenslanders
to make positive changes for their physical and mental wellbeing.
“The challenges were designed for people of all ages and abilities to take part,”
said Dr Robyn Littlewood, Chief Executive, Health and Wellbeing Queensland.
“We will continue to leverage Boost your Healthy to deliver innovative activities
to support recovery.” Gretel Bueta and Jeff Horn at the Boost your Healthy launch
20 20 AUGUST 2020“During the current
unprecedented health crisis,
the constructive working
relationship between
AMA Queensland and the
Queensland Government
has enabled us to bring forth
issues and collaboratively
develop practical solutions
quickly - in the best interests
of our frontline health
workers and the public.”
Jane Schmitt
CEO, Australian Medical Association Queensland
20 AUGUST 2020 21Our plan for Queensland’s future
Priority area 2
BACKING
SMALL BUSINESS
Our plan will help small business – the backbone of
our economy – thrive in a changing environment
Small businesses are the backbone of
the Queensland economy and have been
INCREASING SKILLS MAKING IT
among the hardest hit by COVID-19. AND CAPABILITY EASIER TO DO
They are in every community in every
COVID-19 has highlighted that business BUSINESS IN
region. They represent over 97 per cent of
businesses state wide and employ
management capability and digital skills QUEENSLAND
are critically important in connecting
42 per cent of all private sector workers. Traditional ways of doing business
Queensland businesses to new
Small businesses are particularly opportunities in Australia and have changed to adapt to COVID-19
vulnerable to the impacts of extreme around the world. restrictions. The Queensland Government
events and disruptions. While many small moved swiftly and implemented
While COVID-19 has accelerated many
businesses have shown their adaptability, regulatory reforms to respond to emerging
of the transitions already underway
the immediate challenges of COVID-19 issues and support innovative business
in relation to digital technologies, the
have been felt in every industry sector, practices, for example allowing licenced
capabilities and confidence of small
from construction, agriculture, fishing and venues such as restaurants and cafes to
businesses to capitalise on these
tourism, to retail, education and health sell takeaway alcohol.
technologies is mixed.
care, and in every local community. Making it easier to do business in
Small businesses will need to be ready
We want small business to come back Queensland will not only support our
to take advantage of opportunities as
better than before and will be providing recovery now, but encourage businesses
the economy evolves and successfully
further support for business to increase to be more innovative, adaptive and
innovate and adapt to digital and
its capacity to innovate, grow and create competitive in the longer term.
technological change.
more jobs for Queenslanders. In doing so, it will be important to take a
That’s why the Queensland Government
partnership approach as regulatory reform
wants to see small business build their
is a shared issue between state, federal
BUYING skills in areas such as financial literacy,
and local governments.
LOCAL cash flow management, marketing,
leadership, management and digital. The government is currently consulting
It’s never been more important to on proposed amendments to the
The Small Business Digital Grants scheme
buy local. planning framework to better support
has provided small businesses with
low-risk, economic value-adding uses
A key step to recovery will be encouraging access to digital technologies or services
in appropriate zones. For example, a
customers to show their support for so they can work smarter and make the
newsagent changing to a hairdresser,
small businesses by shopping locally. most of online business opportunities
a new warehouse looking to establish
By doing so, small businesses can grow arising from digital technologies.
in an industrial area, or a rural property
their business, create local jobs and help
owner looking to provide farm stay
their community.
accommodation.
The Queensland Government is also
stepping up to support Queensland’s
small businesses. We are implementing
new measures, like procurement targets
and faster payment times, to support
more small and medium enterprises
to secure work from Queensland
Government procurement.
22 20 AUGUST 2020“To get onto a solid recovery
path we will need to
develop and apply the best
skills possible, equipping
businesses and the workforce
with the capacity to adapt and
innovate like never before.”
Daniel Gschwind,
CEO, Queensland Tourism Industry Council
20 AUGUST 2020 23CASE STUDY
Business is blooming
When COVID-19 restrictions meant Artisan Florals “We’ve just hired a new delivery driver with support
closed their doors, the team moved to increase their from the Queensland Government’s Back to Work
online presence and ensure their website could handle program and we’re hoping this will give us more
higher volumes of online sales and deliveries. control over our deliveries, reduce our external courier
“We created and marketed home craft kits and a expenses and serve as great local advertising too.
new ‘at home’ bunch with longer lasting florals for “We have experienced an increase in daily flower
customers to enjoy,” Shannon Hawkes explains. sales that more than made up for the six months of
“We used the resources from the Business Queensland postponed weddings,” Shannon says with a sigh
website to apply for the payroll tax relief refund, learn of relief.
about the $500 electricity rebate, and attend the Small
Business Resilience webinars with TAFE Queensland to
redevelop our business plan and the payroll tax relief
was great for boosting our cash flow,” she says.
24 20 AUGUST 2020Our plan for Queensland’s future
Priority area 2
BACKING
SMALL BUSINESS
HIGHLIGHTED businesses of which small
businesses have been the main
• $100 million in electricity bill rebates
for eligible small-and medium-sized
ACTION recipient (representing 87 per cent businesses.
TO DATE of successful applications) The Queensland Government has also
• providing up to $950 million in payroll helped businesses build their capability
The Queensland Government moved
tax relief including refunds, payment through a range of skills and training
swiftly to provide a range of financial,
holidays and deferrals for eligible programs, most notably:
advisory and targeted assistance to
businesses as well as a tax exemption • providing free online micro-credentials
small-to medium-sized businesses.
for JobKeeper payments in areas including digital literacy, as
A dedicated small business hotline was • $196 million Small Business COVID-19 well as free online skill sets in priority
established to assist small business Adaption Grants program is expected to industry areas
navigate assistance and to direct small assist up to 20,000 small businesses.
businesses to relevant support and • establishing the Queensland Small
It provides eligible business owners Business Skills Hub, which provides
information. This was supported by and operators up to $10,000 to adapt,
regional staff across Queensland and small businesses and their employees
pivot and sustain their business. By free access to a curated library of
regular access to up-to-date information supporting these businesses, we
via the Business Queensland website. around 400 online courses in topics
are helping sustain the jobs of over such as Leading a Successful Business,
We have provided immediate financial 200,000 Queenslanders Digital Skills and Foundation
support through key programs: Business Skills.
• $1 billion COVID-19 Jobs Support Loan
scheme, which provides concessional
loans of up to $250,000 to eligible
A note from Queensland’s Small Business Commissioner
As the impact of the pandemic ramped up, the Queensland Government’s small business hotline and Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Queensland’s (CCIQ) business support line received unprecedented levels of calls for assistance.
The Government acted swiftly in supporting the CCIQ to run a proactive outreach to small business and appointed a Queensland Small
Business Commissioner (QSBC), Ms Maree Adshead, formerly Small Business Champion, until the
end of 2020 under the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020.
“It was important to me that we hit the ground running and delivered immediate support, the
moment the regulation was enacted. In fact, we locked in two mediation conferences within just
24 hours.
“The first mediation conference we arranged was for a motel business situated in Townsville.
Coincidentally, this was one of the many businesses I had assisted through the North Queensland
monsoon flood event last year in my previous role of Small Business Champion.
“It was such a relief when the dispute was successfully resolved at mediation. The owners have since
told me that, due to the swift action of my office, they were saved from eviction and can now finally
see a way through the COVID-19 pandemic.”
20 AUGUST 2020 25Our plan for Queensland’s future
Priority area 3
MAKING IT
FOR QUEENSLAND
Our plan will grow manufacturing across Queensland in traditional and
new industries, making new products in new ways, creating new jobs
Queensland manufacturers are
entrepreneurial, innovative, and globally
ATTRACTING POWERING
recognised. Our well-established MANUFACTURERS REGIONAL
industries, highly developed supply TO QUEENSLAND DEVELOPMENT
chains and globally significant research
and development capability make Through the pandemic Queensland's The Queensland Government wants to lift
Queensland an attractive place to manufacturers stepped up and adapted productivity and build the international
do business. to meet the challenges of the health crisis, competitiveness of the manufacturing
quickly retooling to fill gaps in global sector and emerging industries by
As an industry, manufacturing contributes
supply chains for PPE and other essential developing growth precincts to attract
more than $20 billion a year to the
products for our front-line workers. private investment, streamline approvals
Queensland economy and supports
We want to maintain that momentum– and drive growth.
around 165,000 jobs. It reaches across
different sectors, different regions and encouraging Australian companies to We will foster growth precincts across
different markets. bring back manufacturing done overseas the state where businesses, workers and
and invest in Queensland. technology can come together to build
From rail manufacturing, food processing,
To do this, we will continue to support the skills and innovate, access new market
craft brewing, meat processing, aerospace
adoption of leading-edge technologies opportunities, build on the individual
and medicine–manufacturing is both
and practices. We’ll also work with strengths of our regions and create jobs.
an industry in its own right and a critical
manufacturers to place a greater focus This includes partnering with industry to
strength of Queensland's economy.
on local supply to reduce inputs from create dedicated precincts to embrace
Manufacturing is also an important part of
overseas and shorten supply chains. emerging opportunities, as well as
the supply chain of many industries such
developing next generation regional plans
as agriculture. Attracting new businesses to Queensland that can support economic growth.
With almost a third of manufacturing will continue to strengthen our regional
manufacturing base – particularly in This builds on our existing $13.5 million
taking place in regional Queensland,
agriculture and food processing – creating Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program
prioritising this sector will deliver
new and diverse job opportunities across to grow advanced manufacturing
widespread benefits across our state.
the state. capability in the Cairns, Townsville and
Increasingly, economies around the world Rockhampton regions.
are pursuing opportunities to harness It also builds Queensland’s supply of
research and innovation to generate new high value goods and services,
industries and new jobs. We want to see strengthening our ability to respond ADOPTING
to future pandemics.
Queensland industry make and grow
more products, add more value to existing
LEADING-EDGE
products and compete in an increasingly TECHNOLOGIES
complex world. AND PRACTICES
The manufacturing industry operates in a
rapidly changing environment. Embracing
new and emerging technologies is vital to
improve productivity and competitveness.
26 20 AUGUST 2020“Queensland manufacturers
are diverse, resilient and
vitally important to the state’s
economy and our communities.
We have a great opportunity to
re-imagine the future for both
traditional and emerging
businesses, across all regions,
as we look to grow the
sector and employ
more Queenslanders.”
Rebecca Andrews
Head, Ai Group Queensland
20 AUGUST 2020 27Our plan for Queensland’s future
Priority area 3
MAKING IT
FOR QUEENSLAND
By combining leading technologies and
practices with our competitive strengths,
HIGHLIGHTED Manufacturing 10-year Roadmap and
Action Plan to support businesses in
we will create high-skill employment ACTION adapting to Industry 4.0.
opportunities and world leading TO DATE Through the Queensland Government's
businesses. existing $755 million Advance
Throughout the pandemic, the
We are already working with industry Queensland program, we have identified
Queensland Government has continued
to increase adoption of leading-edge several priority and emerging industries
to partner with industry to address critical
technologies, develop a highly skilled and have developed a series of roadmaps
supply issues.
workforce and improve access to domestic for each industry. Each roadmap will build
and global markets. The Queensland Government has our competitive strengths, diversify our
worked closely with local suppliers and economy and create the knowledge-based
The Queensland Government will build
manufacturers to ensure Queensland can jobs of the future.
on this work by encouraging our key
readily scale-up to bolster supplies of PPE
industries to innovate and adopt new For example, the Agtech and Logistics Hub
when required.
technology and practices that makes us in Toowoomba will focus on the growth
globally competitive. On 19 May 2020, the Queensland of the agricultural industry through the
Government announced up to $50 million development and adoption of innovation
Much of this new technology and
would be redirected to help Queensland and technology. The Hub will provide a
innovation can be sourced from local
manufacturers make essential goods such central place for agribusiness, start-ups,
start-ups, entrepreneurs and researches.
as PPE, health consumables and devices. small businesses, training providers,
Through the Advance Queensland
initiative a strong network of innovation This builds on strong foundations. researchers and the supply chain to
has been built across the state. Together with industry, we are collaborate on solutions to industry
already implementing the Advanced challenges.
BUILDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS
Creating new defence manufacturing capability in Ipswich
In a landmark deal for Queensland, we secured the
$5.2 billion LAND 400 Phase 2 project with Rheinmetall
Defence Australia to deliver new Boxer Combat
Reconnaissance Vehicles for the Australian Army.
Rheinmetall's new $170 million Australia-New Zealand
Headquarters and Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence
at Redbank, Ipswich provides a foundation to realise
opportunities far beyond this project by positioning the region
as a gateway to the growth markets of the Asia Pacific.
The facility will be a regional hub with an expected program of
continuous design, build and support for up to 5000 military
vehicles in Australia and the Asia Pacific.
Rheinmetall expects that over 450 jobs will be created for
Queenslanders and $1 billion will be contributed to the
Queensland economy in the first 10 years.
28 20 AUGUST 2020CASE STUDY
Made in Queensland -
Dobinsons Spring and Suspension
North Rockhampton manufacturer Dobinsons Spring respond to changing customer needs and rise to
and Suspension is positioned to step up and address supply chain challenges resulting from COVID-19.
supply chain disruptions after a grant from the Dobinsons Spring and Suspension Director Mr Glen
Queensland Government helped them acquire Dobinson said the grant has helped the company get
world-leading equipment. through these trying economic times and become more
In October 2019, the company received over $581,000 cost effective while expanding their product range.
through a Made in Queensland Round 2 grant towards “We were also able to put on three new full-time
a $1.2 million project to introduce state-of-the-art cold workers and expect to create a total of 12 new jobs
coiling processing capability. in the region over the next five years,” he said.
This leading-edge equipment enabled the move to
agile manufacturing, supporting product diversification
that allowed Dobinsons to quickly and effectively
20 AUGUST 2020 29Our plan for Queensland’s future
Priority area 4
BUILDING
QUEENSLAND
Our plan will drive investment in the infrastructure that
supports our recovery, resilience and future prosperity
Infrastructure investment is a key driver
of economic growth and job creation–
We’ve heard the clear message from
industry: government has an important
INFRASTRUCTURE
powering the state’s economic recovery, role in creating an environment of GUARANTEE
future prosperity and resilience. business confidence – with greater
The $51.8 billion Queensland Government
It supports our industries, regions and certainty, simplified processes, and more
Infrastructure guarantee provides industry
communities to improve productivity and collaborative arrangements.
with confidence to invest and sustain jobs
encourage private sector investment. That’s why we released the Capital across Queensland.
Program 2020 Update, which provides
Our four-year infrastructure investment
industry with a clear view of the
program is the largest in nearly a decade
government capital program over the
and will sustain activity in the state’s
coming year.
construction sector. In 2020-21, this will
mean a $13.9 billion investment, directly
supporting around 44,000 jobs.
As part of our infrastructure guarantee, the
Queensland Government is committed to
“Ultimately infrastructure is for people fast-tracking vital infrastructure projects to
stimulate economic recovery and sustain
and this plan provides a clear pathway construction sector activity
across Queensland.
to a brighter future for Queenslanders. We have already started this, with
significant investments in new
IAQ is proud to be working in partnership schools and upgrading existing school
infrastructure this year and into the future.
with the public sector to deliver enabling
PARTNERING
infrastructure that will strengthen WITH INDUSTRY
business confidence, attract private The Queensland Government will partner
with industry to encourage private sector
investment, and support and create jobs.” investment, make better decisions on
infrastructure and make it easier to
deliver projects.
Priscilla Radice
CEO, Infrastructure Association of Queensland Inc (IAQ) One such example is the $200 million
Building Acceleration Fund through which
the Queensland Government will partner
with councils, developers and industry to
deliver catalytic infrastructure that unlocks
development and enables further private
sector investment helping to reinvigorate
our economy and creating resilient, secure
and sustainable jobs for Queenslanders.
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