A new initiative has been launched in Australia that is intended to promote productivity and job creation in Queensland.

The Innovation Voucher Award program has been unveiled by employment and economic development minister and treasurer Andrew Fraser in conjunction with the Australian Industry Group and is intended to boost manufacturing capabilities.

Costing $2.5 million, it is encouraging small businesses in the state to make use of expert advice and research, with grants of up to $50,000 available to stimulate innovation.

Mr Fraser commented on the two-year pilot initiative, saying: "The Bligh Government is about job creation and a key driver of that is industry innovation."

He added the state budget for 2010-11 also allocated in excess of $106 million to the Skilling Queenslanders for Work program, which is providing employment assistance to 24,000 people.

The news, which may be of particular interest to those seeking manufacturing or engineering jobs in Australia, comes as Statistics Canada reported the number of new jobs in the country increased by 25,000 in May 2010, the fifth consecutive rise in a row.

Posted by Lee Thrace