Key initiatives impacting MTA Queensland members and MTA Institute

Background  

The  Queensland Government announced the 2022-23 budget on 21 June 2022 against a backdrop of an improving economy post-COVID-19 but uncertainty regarding the impact of a rising consumer price index and interest rates.  

The 2021-22 financial year is forecast to have a net operating surplus of $1.9B, (“Back in Black”) as compared to a $3.4B deficit forecast at the 2021-22 budget announcement. This surplus reflects Gross State Product growth 3.0% in 2021-22. In 2022-23 growth is expected to moderate slightly to 2.75%. Unemployment is expected to be maintained at between 4.0 and 4.25% over the forward estimates. 

With COVID-19 still contributing to stressed public hospitals, the budget has a strong focus on health-related initiatives with a record $23.6B health budget for 2022-23. Public transport infrastructure projects also feature strongly in the budget announcement of a capital works program of $59B over four years.   

Current training and labour market programs (like the Skilling Queenslanders for Work) are continued at current levels. A number of specific initiatives of relevance to members are highlighted below. 

The election of the Albanese Government and its budget to be delivered in October 2022 may bring changes impacting MTA Queensland in relation to skills development programs.  

Industry Relevant Budget Announcements 

Zero Emissions Vehicle Strategy 2022-32 and Action Plan 2022-24 

The budget provides $45M over three years for the continuation of the $3,000 rebate for zero-emission vehicles up to a value of $58,000 along with $10M for fast charging stations over two years. 

Mentoring for Growth 

Ongoing funding will be provided for the Mentoring for Growth (M4G) initiative that matches volunteer business experts with small business operators to advise them free of charge. 

Made in Queensland  

The Made in Queensland initiative will receive $40M over the next two years to assist small and medium manufacturers to increase their international competitiveness through new technology.  

Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program 

This program will receive$10M over two years to support regional manufacturers to assist them to scale up their businesses to take advantage of growth opportunities. These hubs provide a place for local manufacturing businesses to receive expert advice and support for transition into advanced manufacturing. 

Payroll Tax Reform 

The budget recalibrates payroll tax rates which will see a reduction in payroll tax for small to medium businesses (up to $10.4M payroll). It is expected that some 12,000 businesses will pay less payroll tax through this initiative where payrolls under $10.4 million will save up to $26,000 per year.  

Mental Health Levy 

To address the mental health issues, the budget imposes a mental health levy on some 6,000 of the state’s largest employers to fund a $1.6B mental health program over five years. This mental health levy will only affect large businesses with national payrolls of more than $10 million. 

There is also a $6.75 million Small Business Wellness and Support package which will engage six Small Business Wellness Coaches to help those businesses hardest hit by the pandemic and the recent floods. 

Extended apprentice and trainee rebate 

The Queensland Government announced a one-year extension to the 50% payroll tax rebate on exempt apprentice and trainee wages. 

The rebate, which was set to end on 30 June 2022, will now be available until 30 June 2023.

22 June 2022