More than 171,000 Queenslanders are employed in this $20 billion sector, and numbers are set to keep rising.

The Palaszczuk Government has been working tirelessly to grow local manufacturing jobs since we were first elected in 2015.

For example, our $46 million Made in Queensland initiative is helping small-to-medium sized business expand their operations and hire more Queenslanders.

Made in Queensland has supported beloved local businesses like Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, Packer Leather and Pixie Ice Cream - and that's just the beginning.

In total MiQ has backed 78 manufacturing projects across our state, 40 per cent of those in our regions, which will generate more than 1000 new jobs.

Recently we committed more than $7.7 million over four years to establish Australia's first robotics manufacturing hub in Brisbane's north, which will offer support to manufacturing businesses across Queensland.

And our 15-year planning protection for the XXXX Brewery will protect 150 jobs at the iconic Queensland business.

We've also invested $30 million to establish manufacturing hubs in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton, localised to the strengths of each city.

Jobs in our regions is one of this government's top priorities, and initiatives like these hubs will strengthen our regional workforce and help attract more private sector investment to our state.

Incredibly, in the face of this positive progress, Deb "do-nothing" Frecklington has promised to slash state support for manufacturing by more than half if elected.

Only Labor has done the heavy lifting when it comes to protecting manufacturing jobs in Queensland, and only Labor will ensure Queensland manufacturing continues to grow and thrive.

Cameron Dick

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning

Australian bartenders are being asked to get U.G.L.Y. for a beautiful cause.

The Leukaemia Foundation is now recruiting generous Aussies for the annual U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year competition in August.

Bartenders are invited to register for the heart-warming community fundraiser which raises vital funds to provide a home-away-from-home for Australians facing blood cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.

There are currently around 100,000 Australians living with blood cancer.

Close to 13,000 Australians are diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma every year, and recent analysis shows the number will increase to around 17,000 people by 2025.

The U.G.L.Y. Bartender of the Year competition is Australia's largest hospitality charity fundraiser, and has now raised an amazing $13 million, helping to provide more than 160,000 nights of accommodation for regional Australians forced to relocate to capital cities for life-saving treatment.

This vital support takes away the financial and emotional burden of finding and paying for accommodation, allowing them to focus on the most important thing - getting well.

U.G.L.Y stands for Understanding, Generous, Likeable, You and this label really reflects the kind-hearted and giving natures of bartenders in our clubs, pubs and hotels, which are often the heartbeat of Australian communities."

Bartenders are urged to register now at www.uglybartender.org.au.

Bill Petch

Leukaemia Foundation CEO