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Joint Statement:
Premier of Queensland
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for State Development, Trade and Innovation
The Honourable Anna Bligh
29/05/2006
The Government has allocated funding of $6.5 million in next week's State Budget to ensure the continued growth of the state's burgeoning aviation sector.
Premier Peter Beattie and Deputy Premier, Treasurer and State Development Minister Treasurer Anna Bligh said the funding, together with additional training places funded under the Queensland Skills Plan, reinforced the value of the aviation industry to Queensland.
"The aviation industry is a priority industry targeted for development through Queensland Takes Off - a Government strategy that has established Queensland as the aviation hub of the Asia Pacific region," Mr Beattie said.
"Just a few years ago, Queensland did not have an aviation industry to speak of. Today, it employs 6000 people and is continuing to grow.
"Training got this industry growth started and training will keep it growing."
Mr Beattie said the 2006-07 budget provided $3.78 million funding for training delivery to help ensure the continued success and development of Aviation Australia.
An additional $1.25 million has been allocated for aviation training delivery by other providers.
Ms Bligh said the Department of State Development, Innovation and Trade is also providing a $1.5 million operational grant for Aviation Australia in
2006-07.
Aviation Australia was set up as a centre of excellence in 2001 to establish an integrated aerospace training centre and is recognised as the premier aviation training centre in the Asia-Pacific.
"Since then, 402 people have successfully graduated from aeroskills programs conducted by Aviation Australia," Ms Bligh said.
"Of those graduates 323 (80 per cent) have obtained full-time employment within the aviation and aeroskills industry. A further 59 (15 per cent) have found full-time employment in other industries."
Aviation Australia is also successfully training employees from major overseas carriers, including Gulf Air, Air Niugini and Cathay Pacific under fee for service arrangements.
Ms Bligh said the State Government's recently announced $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan further supported the aviation and aeroskills industry.
"We are increasing the number of trades training places, with 17 000 extra places available each year by 2010," she said.
"There will also be an additional 14 000 Certificate IV and above training places available, including approximately 200 extra in the aviation industry."
Media contact: (07) 3224 4500
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