Queensland Government Announces $45 Million Skills and Training Boost Today

State Government Unveils Major Investment in Workforce Training

The Queensland Government has today announced a significant $45 million investment aimed at tackling skills shortages and preparing the state’s workforce for future demand. The funding, delivered through the refreshed Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, was officially unveiled this morning as part of a broader strategy to support job-ready skills in priority industries such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality.

Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates confirmed that this latest round of funding will support 182 projects across the state, managed by 105 different organisations. Notably, 22 of these organisations are first-time providers, reflecting a push to diversify the delivery of training services. The initiative is a key component of the government's $1.6 billion commitment in the 2025–26 State Budget, focusing on practical outcomes and employment completions rather than just enrollment numbers.

Brisbane Leaders Gather for Sports Business Summit

While formal Council sessions resumed yesterday, political and civic attention in Brisbane today has shifted toward the Howard Smith Wharves for the start of the "Leaders Meet: Australia" summit. This two-day event, beginning today, February 4, brings together senior government officials, sports executives, and business leaders to discuss innovation and strategy ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The summit serves as a platform for discussing the city's burgeoning role as a global events capital. Government representatives at the event are expected to participate in private sessions focused on maximizing the economic impact of elite sport and infrastructure projects on the local Brisbane economy. This gathering follows the official lock-in of the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup match schedule, which remains a top-of-mind political topic this week.

Lord Mayor Welcomes Major Event Milestones

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has reinforced Brisbane’s readiness for the upcoming decade of international competition. Following the confirmation that Brisbane will host ten matches during the 2027 Rugby World Cup—including two quarterfinals—the Lord Mayor highlighted the city’s lifestyle and venue capacity as primary drivers for economic growth. City Hall officials noted today that preparations are already beginning to ensure suburban precincts benefit from the influx of international visitors.

The Lord Mayor’s focus remains on keeping the city moving, with the Council’s first post-recess activities this week emphasizing public transport subsidies and the expansion of the Brisbane Metro. Although no public Council votes are scheduled for today, the executive arm of the Council is reportedly meeting in private sessions to finalize the agenda for next week’s full session, which is expected to address new suburban infrastructure and small business support programs.