Victoria's regions hit hard by Labor's unemployment crisis
Communities from Ballarat to Shepparton are feeling the consequences of Labor's economic failure, with new data confirming unemployment is surging across regional and suburban Victoria.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures are based on a 3-month rolling average to show:
- Ballarat's unemployment rate has soared to 5.89 per cent, with 5226 locals out of work, an increase of 2689 people compared to this time last year.
- In Hume, unemployment has jumped by 1613 people compared to pre-COVID levels in March 2020.
- In Shepparton, 4917 jobs have been lost in just the past 12 months, reflecting a sharp local economic decline.
It comes on the back of last week's figures showing almost 181,000 Victorians are now unemployed, as the state hits 16 consecutive months with the highest unemployment rate in the country.
Ten years of Labor mismanaging money, hiking taxes and punishing business has resulted in Victoria's longest unemployment streak in nearly 50 years of ABS records.
Leader of the Opposition, Brad Battin, said Labor's economic record is failing Victorians.
"These aren't just numbers, they're people. Families. Young people looking for their first job. Parents trying to put food on the table. After a decade of mismanagement, debt and higher taxes, Labor has left too many Victorians without opportunity or hope."
Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, David Hodgett, said Labor's policies are driving job losses across the state.
"The jobs crisis in our suburbs and regions is the direct result of Labor's tax hikes, waste, and incompetence. For 16 months running, Victoria has led the nation in unemployment. That's not a coincidence, it's a consequence."
The Liberals and Nationals have a real plan to get Victoria working again. We will:
- Cut red tape and remove barriers to job creation
- Deliver comprehensive tax reform for long-term growth
- Restore integrity to government spending
- Get Labor's record debt under control
Victoria deserves a government that backs workers, supports small business, and rebuilds confidence in our economy, not one that makes things worse.
Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage the economy, and Victorians in every corner of the state are paying the price.
