Today’s independent ABS labour force data shows Queensland continues to have the second-worst unemployment rate in the country.
Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson said the statistics showed Labor’s jobs “bonanza” budget was nothing more than a budget con.
“Sadly we’re still fighting South Australia for last place when it comes to unemployment,” Mr Emerson said.
“Queensland’s unemployment rate is 0.6 percentage points above the national average and 1.5 per cent higher than New South Wales.
“Labor’s own budget papers show unemployment in Queensland won’t drop below six per cent for the next four years.
“Over the next three years 80,000 fewer jobs will be created in Queensland because employment growth forecasts have fallen so substantially.”
Mr Emerson said he was particularly concerned by the continued transition to part time employment, the rise in underemployment and the loss of youth jobs.
“Seasonally adjusted full-time employment fell by 11,200 jobs last month,” he said.
“The number of underemployed Queenslander’s also grew by almost 10,000. That’s 10,000 people who would like to have more work, but can’t get it.
“We saw another 5,000 youth jobs disappear from Queensland in May – another sad indictment on the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“Labor’s so-called jobs budget is a con and will do nothing to drive down unemployment in Queensland.
“Queenslanders, particularly Queensland jobseekers, can’t afford another three years of this do-nothing government.
“Only the LNP can build a better Queensland.”
