BRISBANE, Queensland, Sept. 18 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training
The Honourable Ros Bates
* The Crisafulli Government is delivering an Australian-first program which will help hundreds of carpentry apprentices complete their qualifications.
* Breakers program will team sports stars with apprentices to keep them engaged in their courses, and dedicated coaches will help mentor the next generation of Queensland carpenters.
* TheCrisafulli Government is delivering better services through a stronger economy and turning the tide on Labor's dire skills shortages by keeping young apprentices on the tools and boosting apprenticeship...