Queensland’s manufacturing sector has not only weathered the challenges of the pandemic but has emerged as one of the nation’s leading performers, according to the inaugural State of the Sector 2024 report released by Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ).
The report, based on comprehensive analysis utilising ABS census and workforce data, has revealed significant growth and resilience in Queensland’s manufacturing landscape, as revealed in a media release.
Over the past two decades, the state’s manufacturing capabilities have surged, with its share of real manufacturing value-add rising from 16 per cent in 2003 to approximately 20 per cent in 2023.
Key findings from the report indicate robust growth across various economic indicators. The machinery and equipment sub-industry stands out as Queensland’s fastest-growing sector in terms of employment, witnessing a 20 per cent increase since 2015-16, reaching 36,000 employees.
In addition, wages in Queensland’s manufacturing sector are outpacing the national rate, with employee earnings rising by 11.1 per cent in the year leading up to August 2023.
Moreover, the industry is deeply rooted in regional communities, with nearly half of the workforce located outside of Greater Brisbane.
Rebecca Andrews, CEO of Manufacturing Skills Queensland, lauded Queensland’s manufacturing performance post-pandemic, emphasising its potential to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among stakeholders to further develop the sector and attract skilled labour, highlighting the need for sustainable workforce solutions.
“Attracting and engaging high quality, skilled labour is currently one of the most significant challenges facing our manufacturers right now—job vacancies remain double their long-run rate, and the industry is calling for more skilled workers,” Andrews underscored.
The State of the Sector 2024 report sets the stage for MSQ’s inaugural state-wide industry engagement program, scheduled to commence in late February.
The full report is available online at msq.org.au/resources.
