Statement from the Shadow Treasurer, James Newbury

Statement from the Shadow Treasurer, James Newbury

James Newbury, Shadow Treasurer

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has confirmed that the Allan Labor Government has failed those looking for work longer than any other state on record.

Today’s data reveals that Victoria has now held the highest unemployment rate of any state for 15 consecutive months – the longest streak since the ABS began collecting labour force data in 1978. It is a damning indictment of a government with no plan for growth.

In May, Victoria’s unemployment rate rose to 4.4 per cent – up 0.2 points – while every other state did better. The national unemployment rate remains steady at 4.1 per cent, meaning Victoria is now alone at the back of the pack.

Labor has completely given up on helping Victorians into work. While other states are growing, Victoria is stagnating – buried under the weight of record debt, skyrocketing taxes, and a government more focused on spin than solutions.

Under Labor, Victoria is the unemployment capital of Australia – and it’s hard-working Victorians who are paying the price.