Thursday April 23, 2020
The number of people out of work in Wide Bay jumped by 1000 in March, according to ABS regional employment figures released today.
The region’s unemployment rate has now risen by 1.6% to 9.2% over the past year – the largest annual increase recorded in any Queensland region.
LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said the 11,400 unemployed workers in Wide Bay were paying the price of five years’ of economic failure by Annastacia Palaszczuk.
“These alarming figures don’t include the huge job losses that have occurred because of the coronavirus crisis,” Mr Mander said.
“Thanks to Annastacia Palaszczuk and Jackie Trad, our economy was weak well before coronavirus hit us.
“Unemployed workers in Wide Bay are desperate, but they’re getting no help from Labor.
“Only the LNP has a plan to build new roads and water infrastructure, cut power bills in the regions and rule out any new taxes.
“The LNP will also stop the demolition of the Paradise Dam spillway and fix the dam – protecting local businesses and their employees.”
Mr Mander said Wide Bay’s March youth unemployment rate of 22.2% was the highest in Queensland.
“Young people are being denied job opportunities and a secure future by Jackie Trad and Annastacia Palaszczuk,” Mr Mander said.
“Only an LNP Government will get Wide Bay working again.”
