Queensland Butcher Shop Closures Due to Skilled Worker Shortage

20-Year Store Closing

Noosa butcher Steve Young has built his business over 20 years since opening his first store in nearby Tewantin in 2005. His retail shop currently maintains a loyal customer base, but that very success has become the reason for closure.

Young told ABC, "The retail store is now operating with 2 butchers. Normally it requires 4 butchers and 2 counter staff." Alongside his retail business serving as a neighborhood butcher shop, he supplies meat to IGA supermarkets across Queensland and New South Wales, and recently added a contract to supply sausages to 22 additional stores.

Reality of Recruitment Difficulties

Young revealed he has spent approximately $15,000 on job advertisements over the past 18 months. Applicants continue to come in, but most do not respond to phone calls or texts, and many fail to show up for scheduled interviews. He noted high turnover is also a problem, stating, "It's difficult to count how many people have passed through our facility in the last 12 months."

Australian Meat Industry Council representative Tim Ryan said the butcher shortage is a "real and ongoing workforce issue." He explained this problem makes it difficult for butcher shops to expand their businesses, train apprentices, and meet customer demand. In Australia, butchers have been officially classified as a shortage occupation since at least 2021.

Queensland Store Closures Continue

Queensland's retail meat industry has seen several well-known stores close in recent months. Jack Purcell Meats, operated for over 80 years, closed in July, and Big Gun Meats, a third-generation business, also recently shut down.

In Young's case, staff will not be laid off despite the retail store closure, as he plans to focus on the wholesale business. However, he stated, "Unable to find staff, we're closing a very successful retail shop. It's a huge decision," conveying that he and his wife Stacey made a difficult choice.

Martin Pennay, who employs 130 staff in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, has taken a different approach. He told ABC, "It was really hard to find people," so he began hiring visa workers, and he is grateful they are adapting well.