More concerning data has emerged highlighting the need to improve Tasmania’s participation rate and jumpstart the state’s flatlining economy after 10 years of Liberal mismanagement.

ABS employment data for May shows that monthly hours worked by Tasmanians fell by more than 1.4 million hours from 38.4 million in May 2023 to 36.9 million in May 2024, while underemployment remains the highest in the country at 7.7%.

Since Jeremy Rockliff’s leadership sent his government into minority, Tasmania has already shed 5,000 jobs, businesses are going bust at an alarming rate and record numbers of Tasmanians are leaving for better opportunities the mainland.

Tasmania’s workforce participation rate of 61% is the lowest in the country and well below the national average of 66.7%. According to the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 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.

Labor’s priority is making sure that Tasmanians can have well-paid, safe and secure jobs and we’re willing to work with everyone to boost participation. A huge part of this is removing barriers to workforce participation – like childcare and education – so that people who want to work, can.

Education is one of the greatest barriers to workforce participation and is critical to Tasmania’s economic future. Labor’s push for the government to commission an independent inquiry into the state’s education system is an example of the actions we are taking to hold this minority government to account so we can see the improvements needed for a better future.

Tasmania has the ability to lead the country economically, and we will continue to put pressure on the government to help Tasmanians into safe, secure and well-paid jobs.

Josh Willie MP
Shadow Treasurer