The Liberal Minority Government needs to get serious about reversing Tasmania’s jobs emergency.
Tasmania’s unemployment rate is now firmly entrenched as the worst in the nation at 6.6 per cent, with the unemployment rate for women up to 7.2 per cent and 600 full time jobs lost in the past month.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said the new data made a mockery of Treasurer Peter Gutwein’s boasts about the Tasmanian economy.
“Despite favourable global and domestic economic conditions, Tasmania’s unemployment rate is the worst in the nation,” Mr Bacon said.
“Peter Gutwein has not introduced one meaningful reform as Treasurer and has the state heading towards more than $1 billion in debt.
“Meanwhile the economy is softening and 5,800 full time jobs have been lost in the past year.
“Youth unemployment is 13.7 per cent, two percent higher than the national rate.
“Labor urges the Government to adopt our free TAFE policy which will provide 5,000 students the qualifications they need to find jobs in our fastest growing industries.
“Labor has formed this policy directly from the feedback received from our Industry Advisory Councils – our industries want workers with the skills to match their demands so they can grow and provide careers to Tasmanians.
“The Liberals need to decide whether to back Labor’s policy and support 5,000 Tasmanians into meaningful careers.”
Scott Bacon MP
Shadow Treasurer
