The Hodgman Liberal Government’s number one priority is jobs.
While there is still a lot of work to do, today’s ABS regional employment figures (original, year-on-average data) show that under this Government, jobs are being created right around the State.
In Hobart and the South East, we’re seeing the effects of a booming construction sector with 3,600 jobs created over the past 12 months and the regional unemployment rate falling by 0.6 per cent in that time.
It’s incredibly pleasing to see that in the North West, 2,000 new jobs have been created with the unemployment rate down 0.7 per cent on last year, while Launceston and the North East recorded the largest drop in the regional unemployment rate, down 1.7 per cent with 1,200 jobs created.
While these figures show stability and key gains in the regions, we know more needs to be done, especially where the economy hasn’t recovered as quickly in the North West and North of the state.
That’s why we’re delivering a $315 million job creation package, including the $60 million Northern Cities Major Development. We’ve also invested in a $1.8 billion infrastructure package and are rolling out programs like our Buy Local campaign to drive retail spending and our Local Benefits Test that is helping more Tasmanian businesses win Government tenders.
Tasmania is now heading in the right direction and it’s critically important now that we consolidate the gains of the past 12 months, and build on the growing momentum.
Peter Gutwein, Treasurer
