MEETING at Springwood State High School this week, Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers received a solid seal of approval from the next generation of leaders.
In a wide ranging discussion with the 2025 School Leaders, the nation’s Treasurer and local MP Mick de Brenni fielded advice on the importance of supporting pathways into both trades and tertiary education, tackling the costs of rent, and the positive jobs and wages growth delivered in recent years.
Cost of living pressures were top of mind, with students keenly aware of how rising prices are impacting household budgets.
They expressed concerns about ensuring wages keep up with the cost of essentials—something the Labor Governments at both a State and National level have been working to address.
“Tackling cost-of-living pressures with measures like free TAFE, slashing student debt, energy rebates, cheaper medicines and strengthening Medicare at the heart of what we’re doing to help families make ends meet,” Mr Chalmers said. “We recognise that people are under pressure and more than recognise it, we’re doing something about it.
“Under Labor, inflation is coming down, wages are going up, unemployment is low and we’ve seen record jobs growth – all while we’ve managed to get the budget in better nick and provide people help with the cost of living.”
With unemployment at record lows and industries like manufacturing, construction, and health care creating new job opportunities, students were optimistic about the future.
According to House Captain, Jonathan Maris, students are welcoming initiatives that help set them up for successful careers, including free TAFE, which has supported thousands of young Queenslanders in gaining qualifications without student debt.
“For someone like me who wants to become a boilermaker, free TAFE is awesome,” he said. “It means I can get the training I need for a good-paying job without stressing about big tuition costs.”
Programs designed to ease cost pressures, invest in skills, and boost wages are seen as essential to ensuring young locals can build a secure future right here in the community.
What stood out most in our conversation was their enthusiasm for the future.
They know that with low unemployment and wages moving in the right direction, there are more opportunities than ever to get ahead.
They want a future where hard work is rewarded, education is accessible, and secure jobs are within reach, and that Jim Chalmers was delivering that.
