Labor throws more Victorians on the unemployment scrap heap
Ten years of Labor mismanaging money, increasing taxes and undermining businesses has resulted in Victoria setting a new record as the state with the country's highest unemployment.
Almost 181,000 Victorians are now unemployed as Victoria stretches to a record 16 months as the state with the highest unemployment in the country.
Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data released today shows Victoria's unemployment rate worsened by 0.2 points to 4.6 per cent for a sixteenth consecutive month, Victoria has held the highest or equal highest unemployment rate in the nation.
This sixteen-month streak is the longest in almost 50 years of the ABS collecting comparable monthly labour force data.
Leader of the Opposition, Brad Battin, said "This isn't just a statistic; it's a record of failure that denies almost 181,000 Victorians and their families the opportunity to build a future and create a happy and fulfilling life."
Shadow Treasurer James Newbury said the state's unemployment levels, were a direct result of Labor's economic mismanagement.
"This government is addicted to taxes and it's Victorian families who are paying the price."
The Liberals and Nationals have a clear economic plan to get Victoria working again. We will:
· Remove barriers to economic and employment growth by cutting red tape
· Deliver comprehensive tax reform for a stronger, more sustainable economy
· Restore integrity in government spending, and
· Secure our future by getting Labor's record debt under control.
"Our plan includes establishing an independent Victorian Productivity Commission to drive efficiency, and these initiatives, alongside practical steps like creating a one-stop shop for business, scrapping stamp duty for first home buyers, and ending the ban on new conventional gas, will restore confidence, create jobs, and build a stronger, more prosperous Victoria for everyone," Mr Newbury said.
"Today's unemployment data yet again proves Labor cannot manage money, cannot manage the economy, and Victorians are paying the price," Mr. Battin said.
