Premier launches new training facility for Qld’s $6 billion aviation and aerospace industry

Media Statement

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Training and Skills
The Honourable Yvette D'Ath

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has marked the start of construction on a $10 million Aviation Australia facility which will support 60 jobs during construction and train an extra 500 students on completion.
Ms Palaszczuk said the new building at Brisbane Airport was another important step forward for what was already the largest aviation training and administration centre in the southern hemisphere.
“This will take Aviation Australia to the next level and cement Brisbane Airport – and Queensland – as a global hub for aviation,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“This new facility, with capacity for 500 more students, sets a clear course for future growth. It is a great show of confidence in the sector, and a big boost for jobs in Queensland.
“Queensland’s aviation sector really started to fly under a former Labor Government, and I’m committed to watching it grow from strength to strength.
“That’s why my Government committed to a $10 million boost to the Attracting Aviation Fund.
“Now with this new facility, developed by Brisbane Airport Corporation, we can further build our growing international reputation and create more job opportunities for Queenslanders.”
Aviation Australia was established by the State Government in 2001 to promote Queensland as a premier aviation and aerospace location for the Asia-Pacific region.
It provides basic aircraft maintenance engineer and flight attendant training for airlines, aerospace companies, governments, defence and regulatory authorities in Australia and overseas. Over 85% of Aviation Australia’s graduates are employed in the industry.
Queensland has more than 900 aviation and aerospace companies contributing around $6 billion to the state economy each year and employing more than 16,500 Queenslanders.
Training and Skills Minister Yvette D’Ath said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to fostering more opportunities for young Queenslanders to gain the skills they need.
“The provision of world-class, job-ready skills for Queensland’s vocational education and training students is one of our government’s highest priorities,” Ms D’Ath said.
“By working with industry to create more training opportunities, we can increase our skills base and see industry’s expand.
“The Palaszczuk Government is serious about putting Queenslanders back to work.
“We want to ensure that no matter where they live, all Queenslanders can access real jobs and real employment opportunities.”

The new Aviation Australia facility is due to open in March 2016.