February 18, 2022
Unemployment in the South Burnett has remained fairly constant throughout the COVID pandemic, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The ABS collects data on the number of people in the South Burnett aged between 15 and 64 receiving Jobseeker or Youth Allowance payments.
The latest figures – comparing March 2020 and December 2021 – shows unemployment rose by just 0.4 per cent, from 12 per cent to 12.4 per cent.
This shows the South Burnett’s economy was not heavily affected by the pandemic unlike other parts of Australia which were forced into lockdowns.
However, the local rate of unemployment is almost 4.4 per cent higher than the current Queensland regional average (8 per cent).
It is also 5.5 per cent higher than the Queensland-wide average (6.9 per cent).
Neighbouring regions such as the North Burnett and Gympie fared slightly worse during the same period.
North Burnett unemployment rose from 9 per cent to 11.1 per cent, while Gympie’s increased from 10.2 per cent to 10.9 per cent.
On Friday, South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto welcomed the latest data.
“I think these unemployment figures are a tribute to the resilience of our region’s small businesses,” Mayor Otto said.
“While we were fortunate to escape the lockdowns Brisbane and its neighbours endured, the COVID pandemic has been difficult for many of our small businesses – particularly those in hospitality.
“But they’ve been flexible and adapted to it, and it’s paid off.”
The Mayor said he also thought the South Burnett’s population was growing again, which would have a positive effect on the region’s economy.
He looked forward to the release of the latest Census data in the latter part of this year to confirm this.
How are 1 in 8 people between 15 and 64 not able to find work? There are work opportunities everywhere. I feel for people genuinely looking for work – but I can’t comprehend the scale of this idleness. 1 in every 8 people can’t find work, won’t work or fall somewhere in between. This does not even count the underemployed ie working for 8 or 22 hours a week when they want full time.
How does one fix this? In my living memory there has not been a better time to get a job.
Are we the land of the free lunch? Government handouts, rent assistance, not for profits giving meals, food hampers etc. I fully support assisting those in need who are ill or disabled. But…
Don’t forget about all the grants to businesses of various sorts including agribusiness. Also, grants to sporting clubs, the arts and even major corporations. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that Chinese based companies that have invested in Australia receive grants.
In 2020, $10.3 billion in Government subsidies went to coal, oil and gas companies and major users of fossil fuels. That works out to $19,686 every minute of every day.
Then there’s all the money given to wealthy private schools. Some of these elite schools have every facility one could imagine, and they’re often updated every few years. These include swimming pools. I doubt there are many, if any, public schools with their own pool. Many public schools have facilities that look like they were built in the dark ages.