Queensland hits rock bottom for unemployment

LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander has slammed the Palaszczuk Labor Government after today's jobs data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed the pain of Queenslanders searching for a job.

“Queensland now has the worst unemployment rate in Australia under the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Mr Mander said.

“With building approvals down, business confidence down and even construction work down, it’s no wonder Queensland has the worst unemployment rate in the nation.

“Today’s unemployment figures are a direct result of Labor’s economic mismanagement, which drives down business confidence and drives away business investment.”

The ABS Labour Force figures showed:

• Trend unemployment has gone from 6.2 per cent to 6.3 per cent – the worst rate and even above Western Australia on 6.2 per cent
• Seasonally adjusted (Labor’s preferred measure) unemployment has gone from 6.2 per cent to 6.4 per cent – the worst rate but equal with Western Australia on 6.4 per cent

“It’s not good enough that our unemployment rate has risen to 6.4 per cent,” Mr Mander said.

“While Annastacia Palaszczuk is out there talking about artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, more and more Queenslanders are unable to land a job.

“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s economic mismanagement has led to five new taxes, the worst unemployment in the nation and debt soaring to $83 billion.

“Only the LNP, with our commitment to no new taxes, cheaper electricity and support for small businesses can bring Queensland back to the top of the economic ladder.”