New workforce data shows that the economy is flatlining and there are less Tasmanians in jobs.

Today’s ABS labour force data shows at 60.3%, Tasmania’s participation rate remains the worst in the nation, over six per cent below the national average.

If Tasmania’s participation rate was at the national average, over 11,000 jobs would be created, households would be $1,500 better off and the State’s economy would be boosted by over $3.7 billion annually.

And you won’t hear Michael Ferguson or Jeremy Rockliff talking about record low unemployment today, because unemployment increased to 4.3 per cent, now above the national average and a whopping 0.6 per cent jump from last month.

It’s blatantly obvious Tasmania needs to address the struggling participation rate to get our economy back on track.

Working age Tasmanians are leaving our state in search of better opportunities elsewhere. The government needs to provide better work and study opportunities here in Tasmania and remove barriers to entering the workforce like access to childcare services.

Labor’s priority is making sure Tasmanians can find work in well-paid, safe, and secure jobs because that’s the key to reinvigorating our flatling economy. 

Josh Willie MP
Shadow Treasurer