State Member for Morayfield Mark Ryan today announced the Palaszczuk Government’s highly successful Back to Work SEQ program had been extended in the Moreton Bay region for a further two years, through to June 2020.

Mr Ryan said the 12-month Back to Work SEQ program was always slated to end on 30 June 2018 but the government could see that regions like Moreton Bay – and Caboolture in particular - would greatly benefit from a continuation of the scheme.

“Back to Work has achieved outstanding results for both employers and employees here in our region,” he said.

“I and others in the government were determined to see it continue in our community.

“In the past twelve months we’ve seen 246 employees gain work with 174 employers across the region, thanks to $1.76 million of funding from Back to Work.

“That’s a great overall result for our region, but even better are the individual stories behind each worker who is now in a job.

“Last week I caught up with Morayfield small business owner Brett Fenton from Red Dragon Martial Arts, and his new assistant instructor, Billie.

“Thanks to the Back to Work program, Brett was able to employ Billie, which in turn enables him to take on more customers.

“That’s just one example of so many great stories from across our region.”

Mr Fenton said Back to Work eased the financial pressure on his small business while Billie undergoes the training necessary for him to become a fully qualified instructor.

“When I heard about Back to Work I realised it would allow me to expand the business,” he said.

“I thoroughly recommend other businesses in the area look into this program.”