The Health and Community Services Workforce Council has welcomed the Queensland Government's recent realignment of portfolios and announcement of three new Ministers for the Health and Community Services Industries.
Workforce Council Executive Director Wallis Westbrook said the reshaped cabinet has succeeded in striking the right balance between new blood, restructure and the retention of experienced Ministers.
"We welcome Ministers Geoff Wilson, Curtis Pitt and Stirling Hinchliffe to their new portfolios and are pleased to see the retention of both Karen Struthers and Phil Reeves in their existing ministries," Mr Westbrook said.
"It is very reassuring that Minister Karen Struthers (Community Services, Housing and Women) and Minister Phil Reeves (Child Safety and Sport) will continue their active engagement in retaining and developing a skilled and experienced workforce which is capable of delivering high quality services to Queensland communities."
The Workforce Council believes the recent appointments are indicative of the State Government's continuing commitment to reforms within Queensland's Health and Community Services Industries.
"The appointment of Minister Geoff Wilson to the Health portfolio will enable him to draw on his previous education and training responsibilities to ensure that the vital national health reform processes are not delayed due to a disconnection between the education and skills needs of the health workforce and the education and training systems ability to deliver qualified staff," said Mr Westbrook.
The Workforce Council applauds the creation of a new Ministry for Mental Health and the much needed focus on this often under-resourced sector.
"In appointing Curtis Pitt to the Disabilities, Mental Health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships portfolio Premier Anna Bligh has recognised these important issues across our community."
The Workforce Council is hopeful that combining the portfolio responsibilities for Employment and Skills and Mining under Minister Stirling Hinchliffe is direct recognition of the central role that employment participation and skills development play in creating opportunity for many Queenslanders, especially those who are most disadvantaged.
"We congratulate the new Ministers and look forward to working with them and all other members of the State Government involved in the Health and Community Services Industries, to create a strong, green, smart, healthy and fair Queensland."
