Who we are

The Department of Trade, Employment and Training was established in November 2024.

We were formerly known as the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

Our Director-General

Peter McKay

Peter McKay is the Director-General for the Department of Trade, Employment and Training. He previously served as the Director-General for the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training.

Peter brings over 25 years public sector experience where he has led service delivery, policy, corporate and regulatory functions across a broad range of Queensland Government agencies.

Delivering more impactful public services through improved leadership has been a strong focus of his recent work, including development of new public employment laws for a fair and responsive public sector.

Peter believes that working in partnerships is the pathway to better services. His most recent role as Deputy Director-General of the Office of Industrial Relations has focused on improving the performance and reputation of their important regulatory functions.

Peter sees the importance of our functions in supporting Queenslanders to improve their social and economic circumstances by connecting their hopes with the opportunities that our programs provide.

Service area structure

The department's service area structure based on the 2024–25 Service Delivery Statements (SDS) (PDF, 2.1MB) as at 30 June 2024 is as follows. The 2025–26 Service Delivery Statements are under development.

Department's service area	Department's objectives
Employment Connecting and supporting Queenslanders with employment programs and services To increase employment opportunities for all Queenslanders, in particular disadvantaged cohorts.	Preparing Queensland's workforce for the demands of current and future industries.
Small business Connecting Queensland small business to grants and support programs To ensure small business can seamlessly interact with government and are supported to start, grow and thrive.	Helping small businesses to start, grow and thrive.
Training and skills Connecting Queenslanders to training and skills programs and initiatives To regulate Queensland apprenticeships and traineeships and facilitate access to and participation in vocational education and training pathways, enabling Queenslanders to gain employment in current and future industries.	Connecting people to quality training and skills.

Department's service area

Department's objectives

Employment

Connecting and supporting Queenslanders with employment programs and services
To increase employment opportunities for all Queenslanders, in particular disadvantaged cohorts.

Preparing Queensland's workforce for the demands of current and future industries.

Small business

Connecting Queensland small business to grants and support programs
To ensure small business can seamlessly interact with government and are supported to start, grow and thrive.

Helping small businesses to start, grow and thrive.

Training and skills

Connecting Queenslanders to training and skills programs and initiatives
To regulate Queensland apprenticeships and traineeships and facilitate access to and participation in vocational education and training pathways, enabling Queenslanders to gain employment in current and future industries.

Connecting people to quality training and skills.

Last updated 31 March 2025

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