Tasmania unfortunately continues to go backward under the Gutwein Liberals with new data released today showing the state's unemployment rate has risen above the national average and is now the third-worst in the nation.
Shadow Treasurer David O'Byrne said the increase in the unemployment rate to 5.9 per cent is now the highest of the year and the worst is yet to come as Tasmania realises the effects of the end of the JobKeeper subsidy.
"Unemployment continues to rise, underemployment continues to rise and youth unemployment is rising, all above the national average," Mr O'Byrne said.
"The underemployment rate is up to 9.4 per cent, which is the worst in the country and well above the national rate of 7.9 per cent.
"There are now 42,600 Tasmanians who don't have a job or who need more hours.
"Youth unemployment is up to 13.8 per cent, well above the national rate of 12.8 per cent.
"Labor has been warning for months now that the end of JobKeeper would mean more Tasmanians out of work, but Mr Gutwein refused to listen or act.
"The sad fact is we are yet to see the worst effects of JobKeeper being axed and that is a direct result of Mr Gutwein refusing to stand up for Tasmanians and demand his federal colleagues including the Prime Minister keep the subsidy in place.
"The Gutwein Government has no sound plan for jobs or broader economic recovery after the COVID pandemic 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, only 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."
David O'Byrne MP
Shadow Treasurer
