The Queensland State Budget 2023 could relieve retail workforce shortages through a $645 million policy, according to the Australian Retailers Association (ARA).
Over the next four years, all four-year-olds in Queensland will be offered 15 hours per week of free kindergarten from January 2024.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said the cost of kindergarten is a significant barrier for working parents, particularly women, re-entering the workforce.
“The cost of kindergarten often makes it unfeasible for mums to return to work, so this news is welcomed,” Zahra said. “However, it’s a broader issue remaining for families with older children too.
“When costs of childcare and after-school care outweigh the income received from part-time or casual work, women can be financially disadvantaged by joining or re-joining the workforce.
“This policy is a step in the right direction to incentivise female participation in the workforce - especially in retail, which still has some 36,400 job vacancies across the country.”
The ARA also welcomed the $1.48 billion package aimed at tackling the cost of living crisis, including a $550 rebate on electricity bills for all Queensland households.
According to the Palaszczuk Government, this year’s budget brings a record $8.2 billion in concessions funding to ease cost-of-living.
Zahra praised other cost-of-living relief measures, including a $650 rebate on energy costs for around 205,000 eligible small businesses.
“Australians are doing it tough, and Queensland is no exception,” he said.
“Cost-of-living relief isn’t just essential for liveability, but also for economic stimulation in the retail sector.
“We’re already seeing discretionary spending slow – any cost-of-living relief is welcome. Some of this support will ultimately flow through to the retail economy in the form of retail spending.”
Zahra said whilst the measures would reduce pressure on Queensland families, it was disappointing there weren’t further measures in place for small to medium size businesses that were confronting a rise in business costs.