Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon has cautiously welcomed the latest set of employment figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Unemployment remains steady at 6.5% and while there’s been a slight increase in full-time employment, total employment has marginally reduced.
“The one concern is a falling participation rate,” Mr Bacon said.
“We’ve seen a steady decline in the participation rate since November last year.
“At 60.9% Tasmania ranks last of all Australian states. It’s a certainly a trend we do not want to see continue.
“I welcome the positive results in today’s announcement, but with job losses pending on the North-West Coast it’s time for hard work not celebration.
“The Liberal Government must demonstrate it’s working to stimulate employment and implementing measures to increase participation.
“Labor’s made a pledge to be positive from opposition and there’s a lot to be optimistic about, but the participation rate can’t be ignored.
“We need to make sure people are confident about entering the jobs market and optimistic about finding employment.”
Scott Bacon MP Shadow Treasurer
