Regional Workforce Futures

Regional economies are at the forefront of transformation, facing challenges of remoteness, high operation costs, fragile supply chains, climate impacts, and workforce attraction and retention. As industries transition through decarbonisation, technological innovation, and demographic change, the need for adaptable, skilled, and mobile labour has bever been more critical. The Regional Workforce Futures Group at CQUniversity brings together a multidisciplinary team dedicated to creating practical, evidence-based solutions that strengthen regional workforces across Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

Key research themes include:

Managing Workforce Transitions  - Analysing labour market and skills demand/supply during periods of decarbonisation, economic restructuring, and demographic change.

Education, Training and Occupational Mobility -  - Supporting workforce adaptability through skills development, retraining, and lifelong learning initiatives.

Workforce Planning and Policy Development - Building frameworks for effective, evidence-informed workforce strategies and informing policies based on research from regions and sectors.

Human Resource and Organisational Futures - Advancing inclusive workplace practices, leadership development, and organisational resilience.

Technology and the Future of Work - Exploring the impact of automation, digital transformation, and innovation on workforce capability and organisational design.

The Regional Workforce Futures Research Group can collaborate to provide:

Evidence-Based Insight - Using applied research to generate actionable data and intelligence.

Tailored Workforce Models - Designing customised frameworks that address local and sector-specific needs.

Collaborative Partnerships - Working alongside regional, national, and international partners to co-create impactful solutions.

Knowledge Sharing - Providing tools, resources, and guides to inform decision-making and policy.

Cluster Leader

Professor Hurriyet Babacan

Harriet Babacan Portrait
Professor Hurriyet Babacan

Professor Hurriyet Babacan has built a distinguished 25-year career in senior leadership, strategic management, and academia. She has held prominent roles across higher education, public administration, and research, including Pro Vice Chancellor, Dean, Head of School, and Director of research institutes. She was the Foundation Director of the Cairns Institute and has held key public sector positions such as Executive Director in the Department of Premier and Cabinet, Commissioner of the Multicultural Commission, and CEO of Tablelands Regional Council. She currently serves as Chairperson of Regional Development Australia, Tropical North.

Professor Babacan is a recognised leader in multidisciplinary research across Australia and the Asia Pacific, with extensive publications on economic and social development, including work for UNESCO. She has presented widely at international conferences and contributed to high-level advisory groups, including OECD and government committees. Her research focuses on sustainability, resilience, climate change, regional development, and economic transitions.

Her contributions have been recognised with major awards, including the Order of Australia (2014), the Centenary Medal, and the Queensland Multicultural Services Award. She has also been acknowledged as a leader in the Australian Women’s Archives.

Contact

CQUniversity
Bruce Highway
Rockhampton North
QLD 4701
Contact Professor Hurriyet Babacan