CQ Monthly Market Review December 2025

Central Queensland’s labour market shows steady performance across employment, participation and wage growth. Regional job opportunities continue to expand, with ongoing demand in key sectors including health, education, trades and resource-related industries. While broader economic pressures and skills shortages remain, initiatives such as regional workforce programs, targeted business support and updated employment frameworks are helping to strengthen the local labour market.

Labour Market Snapshot

The number of employed people in Central Queensland reached 130,300, representing an increase of 2,200 people, or 1.8% over the year. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.5%, slightly higher than the Queensland average of 4.1%. The participation rate rose marginally to 70.0%, up 0.2% over the year. These figures reflect steady labour market conditions in the region, with ongoing demand for workers across key sectors despite broader economic pressures.

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour force, Australia

Wages Steady as Job Growth Continues

Australia’s labour market remains resilient, with wages holding steady and jobs growth continuing through December 2025, according to the latest CBA Wage & Labour Insights report. Wages rose 0.8% for the quarter and 3.1% over the year, with Queensland recording annual growth of 3.2%. Around 23,000 jobs were added nationally in December, showing continued hiring momentum, albeit slightly slower than earlier months. While wage growth has moderated slightly from previous peaks, employers continue to face competition for skilled workers, making attractive salaries and reward packages essential as the region heads into 2026.

Job Ads Up 3.2% Nationally in December 2025

Australia’s job market saw a 3.2% increase in online job advertisements in December. Managers and Professionals recorded the strongest growth, while regional areas continued to show more resilient labour demand than capital cities. The increase suggests a strong start to post-holiday recruitment, with opportunities likely to emerge across multiple sectors in Central Queensland. At the same time, ongoing challenges such as multiple job holding and skills shortages highlight the structural pressures on regional workforces and the importance of targeted workforce planning.

Mechanic Shortages Push Employers Overseas

Queensland’s automotive repair sector is facing a critical shortage of skilled mechanics, with many businesses advertising for months without success. Strong demand and a 13% rise in registered vehicles between 2020 and 2024 have intensified pressure on employers, some of whom are now recruiting from overseas to fill vacancies. Low apprenticeship numbers and reduced government incentives are worsening the skills gap. These shortages are creating delays for customers and placing extra strain on businesses, highlighting the need for targeted workforce development in the automotive trades.

Health Workforce Wage Increases

The Queensland Government has secured new agreements for Queensland Health staff, including the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce, covering more than 38,000 employees. The deals provide an eight per cent wage increase over three years, along with improved allowances and conditions for shift and remote workers. These measures aim to attract and retain staff, particularly in regional areas and build on previous agreements with nurses, paramedics and medical officers.

Revamped Regional Jobs Committees

The Queensland Government’s Regional Jobs Committees has been revitalised, appointing 12 organisations to lead the program and address local workforce challenges. The committees will work with employers, schools, industry and training providers to close skills gaps, boost job growth and align training with regional economic needs. This refreshed approach aims to strengthen collaboration, support regional employment and ensure a pipeline of skilled workers to meet Central Queensland’s growing workforce demands.

Major Changes to How and When Employers Must Pay Superannuation

From 1 July 2026, employers must pay superannuation with wages or within seven days under the new Payday Super reforms. The changes aim to prevent late or unpaid contributions and give the ATO real-time visibility through Single Touch Payroll. Stronger penalties will apply for non-compliance and small businesses will need to replace the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House to ensure payments are processed correctly.

Queensland Government’s Business Growth Fund Program

The Business Growth Fund is currently available and provides grants of $50,000 - $75,000 to small Queensland businesses with high-growth potential, supporting investment in specialised equipment, productivity improvements and workforce expansion. Applicants must be established, financially sound and have fewer than 20 employees, with clear plans to increase turnover, employment, or market share. The funding is paid in milestone payments and aims to help businesses scale, innovate and create jobs across the region.

Businesses Adopting AI but Need Support

Queensland businesses are increasingly experimenting with artificial intelligence (AI), but most are still at an early stage of adoption. The Federal Government’s new National AI Plan sets a clear direction, focusing on building AI capability, expanding skills and adoption and ensuring safe and responsible use. While momentum is growing, Business Chamber Queensland’s 2025 Digital Future of Work Report shows 73% of Queensland businesses have only a basic understanding of AI, highlighting significant skills gaps. As AI reshapes roles rather than replaces them, targeted upskilling, clear governance and early alignment with emerging standards will be critical for businesses to remain competitive and manage future risks.

Conclusion

The job outlook for regional CQ in 2026 is generally positive and resilient, driven by persistent demand in the care economy, infrastructure development and key resource sectors. As the holiday period ends, recruitment activity is anticipated to lift, bringing increased job vacancies and career opportunities across the region. However, with inflation continuing to influence cost-of-living pressures, candidates are becoming increasingly pay-conscious, placing greater emphasis on competitive salary offerings, flexible conditions and broader reward packages. Employers who adapt to these expectations are likely to be best positioned to attract and retain talent in the year ahead.

Job Skills Network are your regional recruitment partners. We help you build the right team in regional locations through a personalised Recruitment Partnership with our experienced specialists, or an advertising campaign on our online job board.

For more information about local job opportunities and recruitment support in Central Queensland, visit our regional job board, JobsinCentralQueensland.au.