Victoria's regional unemployment rate has dropped once again and is now at its the lowest point in seven years – with 8,400 new jobs created in the September quarter.
New data released today by the Australia Bureau of Statistics shows the regional unemployment rate dropped 0.4 percentage points to 4.5 per cent last quarter – the lowest rate of all the states and well below the national average of 5.3 per cent.
The regional unemployment rate is now more than two per cent below the 6.6 per cent inherited from the former Liberal and National Government.
More than half the 8,400 jobs created in regional Victoria during the three months to September were full-time.
Rising employment in Bendigo (up 7,900 jobs), Latrobe-Gippsland (up 3,200 jobs) and Geelong (up 1,800 jobs) contributed to the jobs boost in Victoria’s regions.
More than 54,000 jobs have been created in regional Victoria since the Andrews Labor Government was elected – 45,200 of them full time. This is almost three times more than were created under the Liberals and Nationals.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“Regional Victoria is booming and creating jobs, with regional unemployment falling to its lowest point in seven years – well below the level we inherited from the former Liberal and National Government.”
“We’ve doubled capital investment and halved payroll tax in regional Victoria – which is boosting businesses and creating jobs.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“We’re investing in regional schools, hospitals and other vital services regional Victorians need, and creating jobs right across the state.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020