Unemployment remains a significant problem in regional Tasmania, despite the Gutwein Government’s rhetoric and as the pending end of the JobKeeper subsidy threatens to see more jobs go.
Shadow Treasurer David O’Byrne said regional jobs data released today showed annual average unemployment rates were up to 7.1 per cent in Launceston and the north east, 7.3 per cent in the west and north west and 6.9 per cent in Tasmania’s south east.
“Unemployment remains significantly higher in regional Tasmania outside Hobart and still remains at over seven per cent in the north and north west,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“With slight increases in regional unemployment revealed today, the Liberals plan to blow TAFE up – a move that will inevitably result in cuts to important courses that will badly effect training opportunities in regional Tasmania – is looking more and more irresponsible by the day.
“Coupled with JobKeeper ending next week, the Gutwein Government is doing nothing to secure jobs and is actually working against the chance for Tasmanians to get a foot in the door to secure work and future careers by getting the best start at the public training institution.
“The Gutwein Government has no sound plan for broader economic recovery and is relying solely on a fantasy infrastructure-led plan and a narrow building industry stimulus which, given its past non-achievements, it will not realise.
“In contrast, 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 are determined to shut down.”
David O’Byrne MP
Shadow Treasurer
