Just days after axing 800 jobs across the country, Woolworths has unveiled plans to create 2,000 new positions in Queensland.

The Premier was keen to join in on the announcement while flagging her concerns about tomorrow’s Federal budget.

Tobi Loftus reports.

TRANSCRIPT

A sweet biscuit to go with a sweet jobs announcement.

Woolworths has announced new plans to create 2,000 new jobs in Queensland.

Michael Batycki, Woolworths General Manager: “We have got plans for further investment of up to, in excess, of $100 million in the next 12 to 18 months and well beyond that as well.”

The retail giant was unveiling its new store in Everton Park which will bring 600 new jobs to the local area.

One thousand construction workers helped build the facility.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier: “We know the proud history of Woolworths in Queensland, always making sure there are local jobs and local construction.”

The Everton Park store will open to customers tomorrow afternoon.

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier: “Just before the budget!”

Curtis Pitt, Queensland Treasurer: “That’s right, I’m sure everyone’s going to be stocking up to go home and watch the budget.”

While the government was keen to stress their investments in job creation, the Premier says she is very concerned about the federal budget to be released tomorrow.

The Government says any further cuts would hurt Queensland.

Curtis Pitt, Treasurer: “What we know is that Mr Hockey made some serious cuts too, by way of ending national partnership agreements on health and education.”

Annastacia Palaszczuk, Premier: ‘My message to the federal treasurer is stay away from cuts to health and education.”

But the Premier and Treasurer were giving no hints to their first budget due in July.

Tobi Loftus, QUT News.