June brought new economic indicators, government investments and regulatory changes that shaped Central Queensland’s business and employment landscape. With the release of the Queensland State Budget and key labour market updates, the region is positioned to take advantage of targeted opportunities in workforce development, infrastructure and business support.
Labour Market Snapshot
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Central Queensland’s labour market showed mixed signals in the most recent May 2025 data release:
- Employment: Central Queensland reported 132,500 employed persons, with annual growth increasing by 2.5%.
- Participation Rate: Held steady at 71.1%, indicating sustained workforce engagement.
- Unemployment Rate: Remained at 4.2%, maintaining its position as one of the higher rates among Queensland’s 19 regions.
- Online Job Advertisements: Fell by 5.5% over the year.
- Top Occupations Advertised: Registered Nurses, General Clerks and Metal Fitters and Machinists continued to dominate listings.
Source: ABS, Labour Force, Australia, detailed, released 20 June 2025 | Jobs and Skills Australia, Internet Vacancy Index, May 2025
Queensland State Budget 2025–26: Key Investments in Central Queensland
The Queensland State Budget delivered in June included substantial infrastructure and housing commitments for the region:
- Bruce Highway: $9 billion to deliver improvements to the Bruce Highway across multiple regions, delivered in 80:20 partnership with the Australian Government.
- Rockhampton Ring Road: $1.98 billion to construct the Rockhampton Ring Road. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Government.
- Rockhampton TAFE Excellence Precinct: $61.1 million for a new TAFE precinct to put more tradies on tools, allowing expanded facilities for Rockhampton Hospital and unlocking surplus land for 200 additional homes.
- Gladstone Transmission Project: $2.485 billion to develop transmission infrastructure to ensure ongoing energy reliability and security of supply to the Gladstone area.
- Social and Community Housing: $95 million to expand and improve social and community housing in Central Queensland, with 147 social homes in construction or under contract towards the delivery of 53,500 social and community homes by 2044.
These investments are expected to generate new jobs, support the region’s energy transition and improve training and housing access for residents.
Source: Queensland Budget 2025-26
Employment Law Updates: July 2025 Changes
Several significant changes to Australian employment law came into effect from 1 July 2025, directly affecting employers and workers across Central Queensland:
- Minimum Wage Increase: The Fair Work Commission announced a 3.5% increase to the national minimum wage from 1 July 2025, following the 2024-25 Annual Wage Review. This means the new National Minimum Wage will be $24.95 per hour, or $948 per week.
- Right to Disconnect: The Right to Disconnect commenced on 26 August 2024 for non-small businesses and will apply to small business employers with fewer than 15 employees from 26 August 2025.
- Superannuation Guarantee: From 1 July 2025, the superannuation guarantee rate will increase from 11.5% to 12%. The 12% rate will need to be applied for all salary and wages paid to eligible workers on and after 1 July.
- Paid Parental Leave Expansion: The amount of Parental Leave Pay available to families increased to 120 days, or 24 weeks based on a 5-day work week, for children born or adopted from 1 July 2025.
- Paid Parental Leave Superannuation Contribution: From 1 July, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will pay superannuation on government funded Parental Leave Pay.
These updates underscore the importance of compliance and workforce planning as businesses prepare for the new financial year.
Source: business.gov.au | Services Australia | Fair Work Ombudsman
Creative and Entrepreneurial Business Survey Launch
Gladstone Regional Council launched a new Small Business Friendly Program initiative in June - an online survey designed to understand the needs of creatives and entrepreneurial businesses in the region. The Gladstone Scoping Study will inform future planning and support programs and initiatives aimed at fostering a more vibrant local business ecosystem.
Conclusion
June marked a turning point for Central Queensland as the region navigates evolving employment trends, embraces major government investments and adapts to important workplace reforms. With infrastructure projects underway and new support mechanisms for business and workers, the region is building momentum for long-term economic growth and resilience heading into the second half of 2025.
Jobs in Central Queensland are your regional recruitment partners. We help you build the right team in regional locations through a personalised Recruitment Partnership with our experienced specialists, or an advertising campaign on our online job board. For more information about local job opportunities and recruitment support, visit JobsinCentralQueensland.au.