Queensland unemployment stays highest in nation

Queensland has retained the title of the jobless capital of Australia, according to ABS figures released today.

The state’s unemployment rate remained the same at 6.5 per cent (seasonally adjusted) in October – with more than 14,000 jobs lost in the last month. (see ABS October table below).

LNP Deputy Leader and Shadow Treasurer Tim Mander said the jobs crisis in Queensland was a direct result of five years of economic failure by the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

“Queensland is bogged down by the Palaszczuk Labor Government and people are paying the price with their jobs,” Mr Mander said.

“Labor has smashed Queenslanders with nine new and increased taxes in the last two years – taxes which are toxic for jobs and growth.

“There are 177,400 Queenslanders out of work while the only jobs Labor MPs care about are their own.

“Today’s result could have been even worse, with the participation rate falling in a sign that people are giving up looking for work under Labor.

“The gap between Queensland and the rest of the pack is also widening with South Australia pulling away at 6.2 per cent unemployment.

“The worst unemployment rate in the nation, higher taxes, more debt and less infrastructure will be Annastacia Palaszczuk’s legacy.

“Only a Deb Frecklington LNP Government will get Queensland working again and create the jobs the state is crying out for.

“The LNP will create jobs and improve job security by building better roads and new dams, delivering cheaper electricity prices and guaranteeing no new taxes.”