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Latrobe City unemployment figures improve, but more work still to be doneAn improvement in the unemployment figures for the December 2003 quarter has been received with caution by Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss. By Latrobe Shire Council - 26th March 2004 - Back to News Cr Middlemiss said that Latrobe City’s overall unemployment rate of 7.3% outlined the considerable disadvantages the municipality faces, when compared with the Victorian and Australian averages of 5.2% and 5.9% respectively.
"Historically, these figures have been subject to unexplained swings. The improvement in the December quarter figures may reflect temporary employment in the retail sector over the Christmas period, and we must not forget that employment can often mean just a few hours of work in a week, rather than stable, long-term employment," Cr Middlemiss explained.
"In the light of these figures, Council will not be relaxing its job attraction efforts, particularly as the next quarter will reflect the job losses at Energy Brix and Australian Char," Cr Middlemiss said.
"These figures certainly show that it is not the time for the Victorian Government to relax their efforts to assist us and it is even more timely to remind the Federal Government that they too have a duty to assist with our economic development," Cr Middlemiss added.
"We have a skilled and enthusiastic workforce here in the Valley, with great infrastructure and resources. We will continue our efforts to attract businesses and projects to the area that will ensure long-term, solid employment opportunities for our people," Cr Middlemiss concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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