The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training was established in December 2017 with responsibilities drawn from other agencies.
The department recognises the important relationship between employment outcomes, strong small businesses and a skilled workforce to the wellbeing of Queenslanders and their communities.
Our Minister
Shannon Fentiman MP
Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development
Shannon is committed to the creation and protection of quality jobs in Queensland and is a passionate advocate for quality education and training opportunities for all members of the community. Delivering the government's commitment to creating jobs for Queenslanders and supporting local businesses to reach their full potential are Shannon's main priorities as Minister.
Our Director-General
Mary-Anne Curtis
Director-General, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
Mary-Anne leads the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training. Mary-Anne brings extensive experience leading teams in policy development and advice, particularly in relation to economic and fiscal issues.
Service area structure
The department's service area structure as at 30 June 2019 is as follows:
| Service area | Objective | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | To increase Queenslanders' participation in the labour market | This service area focuses on increasing employment opportunities for Queenslanders, in particular disadvantaged cohorts. This area undertakes both policy and strategic engagement activities, as well as the delivery of key government employment programs |
| Small Business Services | To ensure small businesses can seamlessly interact with government and are better supported to start, grow and employ |
This service area focuses on products and services that are delivered to small business to better enable them to grow and make it easier to interact with government, including:
|
| Training and Skills | To skill Queenslanders for jobs and secure employment outcomes | Improving the skills profile of Queensland through delivery of a diverse and inclusive vocational education and training programs that delivers on industry skills demands of today and the future and supports publicly funded training providers to deliver high quality training |
The department is responsible for supporting the Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development. In supporting the Minister, the department is maintaining high-quality services and focusing on implementing the government's objectives for the community and its government commitments.
In 2018–19, the department delivered a number of the government's commitments and has been working collaboratively with stakeholders to implement those commitments.
This included the delivery of 6 government commitments in 2018–19:
- provided a grant of up to $4 million towards the $12 million cost to assist in the development of a state-of-the-art training facility at Beenleigh
- provided up to $26 million for the Pimlico Technical and Further Education (TAFE) campus to consolidate the campus and upgrade existing facilities to ensure that they are modern and fit-for-purpose
- invested up to $4 million to improve the Toowoomba TAFE campus and reconfigure older buildings to modern standards for students and staff
- appointed a prominent Queenslander as an Ambassador for mature-age-friendly workplaces
- established an awards program to recognise and showcase Queensland businesses that demonstrate best practice in employing older workers
- Work Ready Queensland: Extending the Back to Work program—implemented the Sticking Together program pilot, trialling an intensive 60-week coaching and mentoring service for 90 young disadvantaged jobseekers and recently employed young people in Cairns, Townsville and Logan, with 30 in each location.
The following Ministerial Charter Letter Commitment was also delivered by the department in 2018–19:
- delivered targeted support for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people who are business owners and operators, enabling them to unlock their full potential and navigate the rapidly changing economic landscape.
Last updated 30 September 2019
