Tuesday, 28 November, 2017

Almost 5,000 jobs have been created in the Latrobe-Gippsland region in the last year, according to new data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said the ABS Regional Labour Force data also showed that the unemployment rate for the region is at 6.8 per cent (three month average), down from 7.6 per cent at the same time last year.

The Andrews Labor Government has made an unprecedented investment in the Latrobe Valley and Gippsland region – from the Regional Rail Upgrades and GovHub to the Morwell Hi-Tech Precinct and support for local manufacturing businesses.

These projects are creating meaningful employment opportunities for local people.

The Victorian regional unemployment rate now sits at 5.1 per cent – lower than the Australian regional average of 5.5 per cent
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Since the Labor Government was elected, 56,000 jobs have been created across regional Victoria.

That’s about a third of all jobs created in regional Australia, and also about ten times the amount that was create under the previous Liberal National Government during four do-nothing years where unemployment went up and the state stood still.

Across Victoria, more than 266,000 jobs have been created since the Andrews Labor Government was elected – almost three times the amount that was created under the previous government.

A majority of those jobs have been full-time positions, spurred on by the strong investment in infrastructure and services right across the state.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“Our long-term investment in jobs and opportunities across the Latrobe-Gippsland area continues in earnest – we are absolutely committed to supporting our region to be its best, as it grows.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is investing in long-term transition and growth for the region, including through the Latrobe Valley Authority and our unprecedented investment in skills and education – these measures will continue to generate economic stimulus over time.”