$2 million Suncorp Regional Hub to bring 120 new jobs Townsville
Townsville is the big winner out of the Federal Government's decision to allow ANZ to take over the banking business of Suncorp, leaving Suncorp's insurance with a bigger presence in Queensland.
The establishment of new Suncorp operation in Townsville and Brisbane is a result of the hard bargain struck by the Queensland Government with ANZ and Suncorp last year.
Under the deal, Suncorp will now invest:
- at least $19 million for the establishment of a Disaster Response Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, which includes investment in a new technology platform to better understand weather impacts, communicate with customers and impacted communities and improve Suncorp's responses before, during and after weather events
- at least $2 million for the establishment of the Suncorp Regional Hub in Townsville with 120 new jobs
- $3 million for community and education initiatives focused on First Nations employment pathways and building skills in disaster resilience and emergency management.
As stated by Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick:
"When ANZ first raised the prospect of buying Suncorp, I made it crystal clear this deal could only go ahead if Queensland was the winner, and especially regional Queensland.
With Federal approval granted, we will now ensure that Suncorp makes good on its commitments, strengthening the financial services sector in state and bringing more skilled jobs here."
As stated by Member for Townsville Scott Stewart:
"This is a great result for Townsville, helping to further diversify our economy and bring more skilled jobs to the city."
As stated by Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper:
"The deal to strengthen Suncorp's presence in Townsville means more career paths for school leavers to stay in the north, and more opportunities for workers from other parts of Australia to make a new start here."
As stated by Member for Mundingburra Les Walker:
"Suncorp has always been a Queensland brand, so it is only right that it expands its operations here in the heart of the north."
