September 14, 2018
The LNP has slammed the State Government after data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Thursday revealed Queensland has the worst unemployment rate in Australia.
“With building approvals down, business confidence down and even construction work down, it’s no wonder Queensland has the worst unemployment rate in the nation,” Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said.
Mr Mander said the ABS Labour Force figures showed trend unemployment had risen from 6.2 per cent to 6.3 per cent.
Seasonally adjusted unemployment had gone from 6.2 per cent to 6.4 per cent.
“While Annastacia Palaszczuk is out there talking about artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, more and more Queenslanders are unable to land a job,” Mr Mander said.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s economic mismanagement has led to five new taxes, the worst unemployment in the nation and debt soaring to $83 billion.”
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Acting Treasurer Kate Jones said the figures showed 7100 jobs had been created in Queensland during the last month.
“This is the strongest rate of jobs growth in the country this month,” she said.
“This is the 23rd straight month of trend jobs growth with thousands more people finding work this month alone.
“While the trend unemployment rate has risen by 0.1 per cent to 6.3 per cent, this can largely be attributed to a 0.4 per cent rise in participation over the last year.
“We now have the second highest participation rate in the country with more people entering the labour market because they can see more opportunities.”
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