Today's jobs data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveals Queensland stands alone with the worst unemployment rate in the nation under Annastacia Palaszczuk.
LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said Labor’s economic mismanagement and five new taxes were directly responsible for Queensland having the worst unemployment rate in both trend and seasonally adjusted measures.
“Queensland is now the only state or territory to have ‘6’ in front of its unemployment rate, despite the Premier’s broken promise to deliver an unemployment rate with a ‘5’ in front of it,” Mr Mander said.
“Recently, Queensland has shared the cellar-dweller status with Western Australia, but now we are outright last and going further backwards.
“Queensland’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate jumped to 6.3 per cent, despite Australia’s unemployment rate staying at a six-year low of 5.0 per cent.
“Queensland jobs growth also went backwards in the last month on both trend and seasonally adjusted terms.
“With business confidence down, the highest unemployment rate in the nation, and an economy that has practically flatlined, it’s clear Labor has no plan for Queensland’s economy.
“The Palaszczuk Labor Government’s economic mismanagement has led to nothing but five new taxes, the worst unemployment in the nation, and debt soaring to $83 billion.
“Only the LNP, with our commitment of no new taxes, cheaper electricity, and backing small business, can bring Queensland back to the top of the economic ladder.
“The LNP has an economic plan to create jobs, while Labor supports increased taxes.”
LNP Shadow Minister for Employment and Small Business Fiona Simpson said there were now 165,291 unemployed Queenslanders on trend terms – an increase of 1,227 in just one month.
“Labor can’t keep defending the shocking unemployment rate when everyday jobseekers are hurting because they can’t get a job,” Ms Simpson said.
“While Australia enjoys a jobs boom, Labor has bucked the trend and made getting a job in Queensland that much harder.
“We need action to grow job numbers, but all we are getting from Labor are excuses.
"Only the LNP's economic plan can bring back the confidence businesses need to invest and employ in Queensland."
Statistics:
