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False claims on record low unemployment in regional Victoria by Andrews Labor government easy to prove with high Morwell rate

Martin Cameron criticises the Andrews Labor Government for falsely claiming record-low unemployment in regional Victoria, highlights the high 11.5% unemployment rate in Morwell.

By news@gippsland - 25th August 2023 - Back to News

The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has slammed the Andrews Labor government for making a false and sweeping claim that unemployment in regional Victoria has hit a record low. Small Area Labour Market data for the March 2023 quarter shows the unemployment rate in Morwell sits at a staggering 11.5 percent - the highest in regional Victoria.

Latrobe local government area has witnessed an 8% decline in job opportunities, and the Labor government's efforts to establish long-term employment have fallen short since the Hazelwood closure

Latrobe Valley job concerns

Mr Cameron said, "Even for the Premier, this claim that unemployment in regional Victoria has hit a record low is a new level of shameless spin. The Andrews Labor Government has pulled the rug out from under the Latrobe Valley workforce. The number of jobs in the Latrobe local government area have decreased 8 per cent in the last 11 years, and Labor has failed dismally to create long-term jobs since the closure of Hazelwood."

"The Premier has killed off the native timber industry and Maryvale's white paper production and thousands of jobs with it, and soon thousands more will be lost with the closure of coal-fired power stations. He has failed to deliver on major promises including the electric vehicle manufacturing plant, Morwell food manufacturing precinct, and the Lake Narracan housing development."

"Instead of addressing the jobs crisis in the Valley, Daniel Andrews is culling more local jobs and killing off sustainable industries while unconscionably making a sweeping claim that the labour market in regional Victoria is 'strong'. The Andrews Labor Government is out of touch and has no regard for Latrobe Valley residents," Mr Cameron said.

Pictures from Latrobe Valley Authority Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com