At the forefront of the groups concern, businesses who continue to lose highly-skilled and qualified staff due to lack of wage support.
The core committee includes Advance Cairns - a not-for-profit organisation supporting tourism, hospitality - aim to come up with a wage program to reduce the declination of skilled workers.
Cairns MP Michael Healy said financial downturns has become a national issue that needs backing by the state and federal government.
“I know there are a vast range of industries struggling with skills shortages and any form wage subsidy is the responsibility of the Federal Government. It was their responsibility 12 months ago, what’s changed?
“I’m asking they put in a place a targeted and measured wage subsidy, even if it’s short term.”
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