Today, I had the privilege of standing alongside Treasurer David Janetzki and Minister Ros Bates as the Crisafulli Government handed down its first Budget—one that puts Cairns and Far North Queensland front and centre.
I’m proud to share that this Budget includes a $10 million investment to save the Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s program—an essential training initiative that Labor had failed to fund past June 30. Without this intervention, thousands of young Queenslanders would have lost access to fully subsidised training in more than 130 priority trades and industries.
This program is a game changer for our region. It opens doors for young people to build careers as electricians, carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, engineers and more—jobs we desperately need to fill as we tackle the housing and infrastructure challenges across the state.
But the good news doesn’t stop there.
The 2025–26 Budget also delivers:
- $50 million to train the next generation of tradies and skilled workers.
- 561 social and community houses under construction or contracted in Far North Queensland as part of the Securing Our Housing Foundations Plan.
- Continued rollout of the Boost to Buy program, helping more young Queenslanders get a foot on the property ladder by reducing the deposit gap.
These investments mean more jobs, more apprenticeships, and more homes for our community.
Minister Bates said it best: “From construction to care, this Government is firmly committed to training the workforce that will build Queensland’s future.” And that future starts right here in Cairns.
As someone deeply committed to seeing our youth thrive and our region grow sustainably, I welcome this strong investment in both people and place. Whether you’re a young person looking for opportunity, a parent hoping for a brighter future for your kids, or a local business seeking skilled workers—this Budget delivers.
Let’s keep building a stronger, smarter, and more secure Far North Queensland—together.
