Victoria’s regional unemployment rate has reached a seven-year low – making it the lowest rate in the nation – with the rate now sitting at 4.5 per cent.
Following impressive July results, data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows the Victorian regional unemployment rate dropped a further 0.6 percentage points in the three months to August.
The rate of 4.5 per cent is well down on the national regional unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent and well down on the 6.6 per cent inherited from the previous Liberal and National Government.
Today’s data shows employment in regional Victoria is steady with more than 65 per cent of working people in full-time jobs.
More regional Victorians found jobs in Bendigo (6,300 additional jobs), Latrobe-Gippsland (2,600 additional jobs) and Shepparton (1,500 additional jobs), in the three months to August.
These results are consistent with the 2017-18 Financial Report released yesterday, showing Victoria continues to post healthy results, strong economic growth and job gains across the state.
The Andrews Labor Government has created more than 370,000 jobs since November 2014 – contributing to more than a third of the nation’s employment growth.
Over 46,000 of these jobs have been created in Victoria’s regional areas, with the majority of them full-time roles.
This comes as the State recorded the nation’s strongest population growth, with the ABS today also confirming more people are calling Victoria home.
As stated by Treasurer Tim Pallas
"By investing at record levels in our regional communities, the Andrews Labor Government is creating the jobs and opportunities our regional areas deserve."
"Our investment in cutting costs for regional businesses is helping Victorians to find jobs and contribute to their local community."
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
"We’re getting on with it, investing in the jobs of the future and giving regional Victorians what they need to thrive."
"Whether it’s building new hospitals, investing in new schools for our kids, or improving our roads and rail – we’re delivering for all."
