14 July 2026
The Queensland Government funded and QFF delivered Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor (ISJA) Program aims to strengthen workforce pathways, improve industry confidence in training, and ensure sector-wide skills development aligns with real-world industry demand.
The ISJA program has recently appointed Chairs to each of their Industry Reference Groups (IRGs), which have been established to ensure that workforce development initiatives meet current industry needs. In this article you’ll meet each of the IRG Chairs, and the current opportunities, challenges and priorities within their training areas.
Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management
As the Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management (AHC) sector encompasses a broad range of industries, it is supported by two Industry Reference Groups (AHC Group 1 and AHC Group 2) to ensure balanced industry representation.
Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management 1 - Paul Sloman
Paul Sloman, Chair of one of the two Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management IRGs, entered the agricultural industry in 1992, working in entry level roles such as a jackaroo and cotton chipper. Paul is currently a Senior Policy Officer at Cotton Australia, with responsibilities spanning workforce and training policy, telecommunications, and safety.
Paul is motivated to create clear, accessible pathways into agriculture for young people and career changers, especially those who may not see university as the right option for them, noting that a capable and diverse workforce is critical to productivity, innovation, and regional resilience.
Paul says he is encouraged by industry’s growing focus on innovation, sustainability and professional workforce development, especially as seen through industry-led training programs such as SmartAg Queensland.
“These approaches create real opportunities to build a future ready workforce that strengthens productivity and supports regional communities across Queensland agriculture.”
Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management 2 – Colin Fruk
Colin Fruk, Chair of the second Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management IRG, is the CEO of Greenlife Industry Queensland, the peak body representing production nurseries, growers and allied businesses across the state.
Colin says the industry’s future depends on having capable people who see the greenlife industry as a long-term career option, not just a job.
“We’re producing a living product that underpins urban greening, biodiversity and major infrastructure outcomes, so investing in people is essential to delivering that at scale and with quality.”
The most pressing workforce and skilling challenges facing the industry include a shortage of both entry-level and experienced workers, particularly in production roles and a gap in practical skills and job-readiness, which increases the training burden on businesses already operating with tight margins.
Colin is excited by the opportunity provided by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the growing recognition of greenlife as essential infrastructure.
“There’s a real opportunity for our industry to play a central role in shaping greener, cooler and more liveable communities, which in turn creates new career pathways and demand for skilled workers.”
Seafood Industry (SFI) – Jo Anne Ruscoe
Jo Anne Ruscoe is the Chair of the Seafood Industry IRG. She is also the CEO of the Australian Barramundi Farmers Association and a Member of the Seafood Industry Australia Aquaculture Advisory Committee.
Jo Anne has been a part of the industry for over four decades, having studied aquaculture and continuing to work across production, people development, extension, research and development, education and training, and industry representation.
“Over those years I've seen our industry face ever changing challenges, opportunities and expectations and I've also experienced it becoming ever more difficult to attract and retain people.”
Jo Anne is excited by the development and adoption of technology to support on-farm decision making for improved stock, health, biosecurity and environmental management. However she also notes that there are a number of critical challenges facing the industry including regulatory and funding barriers to support delivery of training in thin markets and the ongoing challenge of attracting staff at a farm worker level.
Forest and Wood Products (FWP) – Clarissa Brandt
Clarissa Brandt is the Chair of the Forest and Wood Products IRG and the General Manager, Strategic Relations & Communications at Timber Queensland, the state’s peak industry body for the timber industry.
Clarissa says the single biggest change to drive workforce development in the timber industry is securing state government funding for the Forest & Wood Products training packages but notes that awareness is also a huge opportunity.
“People simply don’t realise the range of jobs available, or how modern the industry is there are still outdated perceptions floating around. Timber is everywhere. Our homes, the furniture we use, the pallets that move food around the country, the cardboard packaging we rely on it’s all part of this industry,” Clarissa said.
“If we don’t have a strong workforce to support it, it would have a real impact on how we live day to day. That’s what motivates me.”
Animal Care and Management (ACM) – Brenton Myatt
Brenton Myatt is the Chair of the Animal Care and Management IRG and CEO of Animal Magic Holdings, which operates Animal Magic Pet Grooming and a boutique dog daycare. Brenton is also the CEO of National Skills Training Institute, RTO 41462, a registered training organisation dedicated specifically to the animal care industry.
“My commitment comes from a genuine passion for animals, people and the future of the industry. The animal care sector is filled with people who love animals, but passion alone is not enough. To create safe, ethical and professional outcomes, workers need proper education, practical skills and a clear understanding of animal welfare, handling, behaviour and workplace standards.”
Brenton says the greatest change his industry could experience would be the introduction of stronger regulation, industry recognition and minimum training standards for people working with animals. As many parts of the sector are unregulated, there is no guaranteed minimum standard for the knowledge and skills of people entering the workforce.
Brenton says he is excited by the growing awareness around animal welfare, behaviour, enrichment, low-stress handling and ethical training methods.
“This is helping shift the industry away from simply “loving animals” toward a more professional model where education, evidence-based practice and high standards matter.”
Racing and Breeding (RGR) – David Aldred
David Aldred is the Chair of the Racing and Breeding IRG and is the CEO of the Rockhampton Jockey Club. David has 47 years of experience in racing industry administration and racing media, serving as a senior executive, leading state authorities for racing in Australia and Canada.
David has also played a role in guiding the industry’s future as a board director and committee member across three racing codes, and managing racecourse safety and safety standards, racecourse construction, design and maintenance.
David notes that there are a range of roles in the industry that need to be filled but that the biggest challenge is increasingly the attraction of younger people to choose racing as a career.
“Having worked for 47 years in the racing industry, I know that I could not have chosen a better workplace to be in. I am confident that there is not a job on the racetrack that I haven’t done, and I want as many people to experience what I have, as something that they can love doing every day for their entire working life,” David said.
“The race day experience being offered by clubs is getting better year-on-year, catering for the youth as well as the old school racegoer. I truly believe Australia offers the best racing in the world, exciting horses, jockeys and trainers, a high-class breeding industry and great life after racing programs.”