Media release – Peter Gutwein, Premier & Treasurer, 1 December 2019
Positive growth for Payroll jobs
In a further sign of confidence building, Tasmania recorded the highest increase in payroll jobs in the nation in the first two weeks of November.
Growing 0.7% over the fortnight to 14 November, this is another positive step as we continue our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Payroll jobs also grew 0.2 per cent over the month, which was the second equal highest growth rate of the states.
While two thirds of Tasmanians have returned to work since May, the Government is committed to supporting more jobs and getting more Tasmanians back into work.
That’s why the 2020-21 State Budget includes a landmark $5 billion infrastructure program to support 25,000 jobs, bolster confidence and build the intergenerational infrastructure our State needs. This will increase aggregate demand, lift incomes and create jobs right around our state.
These figures are good news for our State and the Labor Party should be welcoming these latest results, rather than relentlessly talking down our economy.
Media release – David O’Byrne MP, Shadow Treasurer, 1 December 2020
Jobs data confirms Government’s Budget fail
The latest jobs data shows Tasmania is still doing significantly worse than anywhere else in the country except Victoria.
Despite the Premier continuing to crow about his economic record, the jobs figures tell a very different story with employment down more than 4-percent since March.
“That’s more than 10,000 jobs gone,” Shadow Treasure David O’Byrne said.
“Nine different sectors have gone backwards in the past month.
“Overall since March the worst job losses have being felt in Accommodation and Food services and in Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing.
“Peter Gutwein’s singular focus on Building and Construction in the Budget ignores the fact that nearly half the people who’ve lost their jobs are in hospitality and primary industries.
“On a positive note, Tasmanian wages have rebounded more strongly than any other state in the past fortnight, but wages are still down by almost 4 percent.
“And speaking of the Gutwein Government’s construction and infrastructure fails, building approvals data also out today shows a 3.4 percent decline in October compared to the previous month. This was the second biggest fall outside Victoria and is well below the national average.
“The building industry is clearly at capacity and will not drive the jobs growth as promised.
“The shortcomings of Peter Gutwein’s visionless Budget are unfortunately becoming clearer by the day.”
Peter Gutwein doesn’t have a plan for jobs, he only has a plan for unemployment.
