Suncorp has announced plans for a new employment hub in NQ, with more than 100 full-time jobs, plus construction work foreshadowed. But one condition needs to be met first.
Suncorp announced its plans to build a $2m ‘regional hub’ in a yet-to-be-decided location, if the regulatory body approves its sale to big-four bank ANZ.
The commitment was agreed to alongside the Queensland government, according to Suncorp and Treasurer Cameron Dick.
Mr Dick said the Palaszczuk Government has signed agreements with ANZ and Suncorp to “secure a package of benefits aimed at supporting high value jobs and maintaining a strong financial services sector in Queensland”.
But before work begins, Suncorp and ANZ needs to receive merger authorisation from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, approval from the Federal Treasurer and approval and passage of proposed amendments to state legislation.
Generic photos the outside close up of logos people using the cash machine and walking past signage of – Suncorp Bank Pic Annette Dew
“Since the prospect of ANZ acquiring Suncorp was first raised, I have been clear we would only support the deal if it was good for Queensland,” Mr Dick said.
“The commitments we’ve been able to secure from both Suncorp and ANZ ensure that the number of skilled jobs in our state’s financial services sector will only grow, not just in the south-east, but in regional Queensland as well.”
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – NewsWire Photos OCTOBER 26, 2022: Generic pictures of the ANZ Bank in Martin Place today. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
Suncorp Group CEO Steve Johnston said the regional hub will strengthen the workforce by providing quality and stable employment.
“Employees in the hybrid working hub will support Suncorp’s insurance sales and service operations, strengthening our ability to better serve our customers at a time when the value of insurance has never been greater,” he said.
Mr Johnston added that a new office in Townsville would also enable the insurer to respond faster to natural disasters in north Queensland.
“Townsville is well located as a key regional hub in a high-risk weather zone. In addition to serving as an employment hub, the new premises could be used as a pop-up centre for disaster recovery response post an extreme weather event in the region.
“Importantly this will allow us to mobilise our workforce in Townsville so they can be quickly deployed to provide on the ground support to impacted communities as soon as it is safe to do so.”