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The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures show unemployment is on the rise in NSW with an extra 17,500 people added to the unemployed list last month alone, Shadow Treasurer Greg Pearce and Shadow Finance Minister Mike Baird said today.
“Treasurer Roozendaal cannot blame the national economic crisis for these figures with four other states and territories showing improved unemployment rates in the past month,” Mr Pearce said.
“Since January this year, NSW's unemployment rate has risen from 4.5% to 5.2% - well above the national average,” he said.
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State |
Unemployment Rate* | |
SA |
5.3% | |
NSW |
5.2% | |
VIC |
4.4% | |
NATIONAL |
4.3% | |
QLD |
3.8% | |
TAS |
3.5% | |
NT |
3.0% | |
ACT |
2.7% | |
WA |
2.2% |
* ABS Seasonally Adjusted Figures
“Every state needs a long term plan to survive short term economic shocks and NSW is the worst prepared for this crisis,” Mike Baird said.
“Federal Treasurer Wayne Swan talks about national unemployment going over 5% next year as the full brunt of the financial crisis hits our shores – well NSW is already there and it looks like 6% is the more likely outcome for our state.
“Under this State Labor Government, NSW is no longer the first place to do business, that is why 75% of all jobs created last year were outside NSW,” he said.
“The rate of unemployment in NSW is increasing faster than other states as a direct consequence of the failures of the State Labor Government to encourage investment and provide tax relief to businesses who employ local residents,” Mr Baird said.
MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880
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