Unemployment figures inexcusable says Mayor Latrobe Valley’s steep rise in unemployment has been condemned by Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, as inexcusable. By Latrobe City Council - 19th June 2001 - Back to News Latrobe Valley’s steep rise in unemployment in the latest figures released by the Department of Employment, Workplace Relations and Small Business has been condemned by Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, as inexcusable.
"The Federal Government claimed when it released the December Quarter figures that they had turned the unemployment situation around, and that their policies were on track in delivering jobs. We now know that was all huff and puff from the Minister, and in fact the figures were quite clearly wrong. We said so at the time and these latest figures unfortunately prove our point," Cr Jenkins said.
"According to the latest figures, unemployment has risen in Moe, Morwell and Traralgon back beyond where the region was twelve months ago and more than twice that of the average for Victoria and Australia. This is a tremendous disappointment, and places more pressure on the Taskforce to deliver solutions that will address real job creation in Latrobe.
"When the December figures were released, Latrobe challenged the accuracy of the Department’s estimates, convinced there was no evidence that unemployment was easing. The Minister at the time was quick to herald figures as a sign of employer confidence even though local government and industry leaders and social welfare spokespeople were highly doubtful of the Federal Government’s claims, indicating the GST was even exacerbating the situation, adding to employment woes. Unfortunately it seems, we were right," Cr Jenkins said.
"However, unemployment is not just of the Commonwealth’s making. These figures reflect the continued downsizing in the electricity industry. Even now there are more threats to jobs with fears there will be a further increase in the wake of Yallourn Energy’s attempted third wave of redundancies. We have to ask ourselves when is it all going to end.
It must be remembered that unemployment in Latrobe began in the early nineties and has remained since then. It is almost entirely the result of successive State Government decisions, and was not accompanied by a strategic plan to deal with the effects, unlike in the Hunter Valley, where the potential for economic and social devastation was addressed.
"There is now an even greater need for the State Government to deliver real employment initiatives in its Taskforce announcement and a way forward for the region. It is equally if not more important, for the Commonwealth Government to build upon the Taskforce announcement and deliver policies and programs that recognise the dire needs of this region," Cr Jenkins concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com
Related Articles- Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase. - Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs. - Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition.
|
