Regional Unemployment Falls To Record Low

  • Assistant Treasurer

Victoria’s regional unemployment rate has dropped to an all-time low under the Andrews Labor Government.

The latest ABS data shows Victoria’s regional unemployment at 3.8 per cent in the three months to June – the lowest recorded rate in Victoria’s history and the lowest in the nation.

It’s also well under the Australian average regional unemployment rate which sits at 5.3 per cent.

The Labor Government continues to make the investments that matter for regional Victoria, like our $2.6 billion Delivering for Regional and Rural Victoria Program, boosting jobs and ensuring our success is shared by every community across the state.

Since the Labor Government was first elected in November 2014, Victoria’s regional unemployment rate has fallen from 6.6 per cent to 3.8 per cent – the largest decrease among the states.

More than 60,000 people have found jobs in regional Victoria since then.

The Labor Government is making things easier for regional businesses, with the regional payroll tax rate to be slashed to just a quarter of the metro rate by 2022/23.

The Government is also supporting business relocate to the regions by cutting land transfer duty on commercial and industrial regional properties. The duty will be reduced by 10 per cent each year to reach 50 per cent of the metropolitan rate by 1 July 2023.

As stated by Acting Treasurer Robin Scott

“Investing in regional Victoria’s centres and towns is a top priority for this Government to grow jobs and reduce unemployment.”

“We’ll continue our historic investment in Victoria’s skills sector and help businesses in every corner of the state grow, reach new markets and create local jobs.”

As stated by Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“This new ABS data shows Victoria continues to lead the way when it comes to job creation.”

“We’re making the investments that matter to rural and regional Victorians – supporting local businesses to employ local people and attracting new residents to our country regions.”

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