New workforce data has provided more proof that Tasmania can’t afford the Liberals’ plans to block UTAS from developing world-leading educational facilities in Hobart.

Today’s ABS labour force data shows at 61.2 per cent Tasmania’s participation rate remains the worst in the nation, over five per cent below the national average – with peak business bodies rightly concerned.

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.

Tasmania’s underemployment rate is also the highest in the nation.

Labor’s priority is making sure Tasmanians can find work in well-paid, safe and secure jobs.

Since Premier Rockliff’s leadership sent his government into minority, Tasmania has already shed 5,000 jobs, the economy is flatlining and Tasmanians are leaving the state in record numbers for better opportunities elsewhere.

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

Despite this, the Liberals, Lambies and Greens are teaming up to block a generational opportunity to develop educational facilities that will give our best and brightest reason to stay in Tasmania and participate in the workforce.

Let's be clear, after ten years of supporting the UTAS move to the city, the Liberals have cravenly backflipped because the Liberal Members for Clark put their own interests ahead of Tasmania’s.

Josh Willie MP
Shadow Treasurer