Monday, 24 June 2019

Regional unemployment in Latrobe-Gippsland is currently sitting at 3.2 per cent in the three months to May 2019, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

That’s the lowest rate on record – and well below the regional Australian average of 5.3 per cent.

The data also shows the region’s unemployment rate has fallen by 4.9 percentage points over the past year, the largest fall among Victorian regions.

Over the year to May 2019, employment grew by 4.5 per cent.

Since November 2014, employment in the Latrobe-Gippsland region has increased by 8,600 people.

This compares to a loss of 8,300 jobs in the region under the previous Coalition Government between 2010-2014.

Under the Andrews Labor Government, regional Victoria is benefiting from thousands of new jobs, with the regional unemployment rate the lowest among the states at 4.1 per cent.

Since November 2014, Victoria’s regional unemployment rate has fallen by 2.4 percentage points – the largest decrease among the states.

The Labor Government is delivering unprecedented investment into the region through the Gippsland regional rail line upgrade, rebuilding local TAFEs and the establishment of the GovHub and Hi-Tech Precinct in the Latrobe Valley.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

 “We’ve invested heavily in the Gippsland-Latrobe region to grow jobs and reduce unemployment.”

“We’ll continue to make it easier for local businesses to hire, and to ensure locals have access to training and employment opportunities.”