On the back of shocking unemployment figures last week which showed Queensland had the second worst unemployment rate in the nation, the latest regional data released this week shows 12,100 locals on the Sunshine Coast are unemployed.
Queensland’s unemployment rate of 7.5 per cent was worse than Victoria, which is in Stage 4 lockdown.
Across the state there are 197,500 jobseekers on the unemployment queue and locally 6,700 jobs lost on the Sunshine Coast in the last year under Labor.
LNP Shadow Minister for Employment, Small Business Training and Skills Development, Fiona Simpson said the state must have an economic plan for recovery and under the current Labor Government there is no plan and no budget for the State’s recovery.
“Queensland had the worst unemployment rate and lowest small business confidence rate in the country prior to COVID,” Ms Simpson said.
“Queensland has approximately 200,000 Queenslanders unemployed and the Sunshine Coast alone has lost 1200 jobs in the last month, bringing the region’s unemployment to 12,100.
“Furthermore, youth unemployment across the state has increased 1.3% in the past year bringing it to a record 15.3%.
“Labor had no plan before COVID to fix the economy and they have no plan now.
“Only the LNP has a plan to get Queensland working again, secure jobs and boost the economy.
“The LNP’s plan includes ensuring Queenslanders face no new taxes. You can’t tax your way to recovery. We need Sunshine Coast small businesses to have the confidence to be able to employ people without the Labor Government putting its hands in its pockets,” Ms Simpson said.
“Good economic management is needed to support small businesses.
“I am working hard for businesses to rebuild a Stronger Sunshine Coast.”
