New data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics provides stark evidence that now is not the time for Peter Gutwein's radical TAFE privatisation agenda.
Shadow Treasurer David O'Byrne said the new data shows that while Mr Gutwein ploughs ahead with his plan to sell TAFE and deprive Tasmanians of training opportunities, there is currently only one job vacancy available for every six Tasmanians receiving JobSeeker.
"The fact is 34,000 Tasmanians are on JobSeeker but there are only 5,700 job vacancies," Mr O'Byrne said.
"Tasmania has lost 1,000 jobs over the past fortnight.
"Unemployment remains over seven per cent in regional Tasmania and the end of the JobKeeper subsidy this week will unfortunately see more jobs go.
"Peter Gutwein refused to stand up for Tasmanians when he joined his federal colleagues in cutting off the JobKeeper subsidy and now he is determined to prevent more and more Tasmanians from training for the future with his plan to blow up TAFE which will result in courses and staff being axed.
"Now is not the time for more and more Tasmanian jobs now and into the future to be put at risk.
"In contrast, only Labor has a plan to create jobs and create training opportunities.
"Labor's fully costed jobs plan will create 35,000 across the state and our plan to make TAFE free will increase access to training opportunities - opportunities the Liberals will take away."
David O'Byrne MP
Shadow Treasurer
