Concern over rise in jobless

Jessica Benton
UNEMPLOYMENT has soared further above the state average across the Geelong region, according to latest figures.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures for the three months to September revealed that unemployment doubled in the Borough of Queenscliffe compared to the same time the previous year, rising from 1.8 per cent in 2008 to 3.7 per cent in 2009.
The Surf Coast had a similar increase of almost 50 per cent, rising from 1.9 to 3.2 per cent.
Unemployment increased to 9.8 per cent in the bureau’s Corio area, up 50 per cent on the rate 12 months earlier.
The state-wide unemployment rate for January was 5.3 per cent.
Coalition spokesman Peter Ryan pointed the finger at the Brumby Government, which he accused of “abandoning” Gee-long residents for “city-centric” policies.
“The Brumby Government claims its priority is creating and securing Victorian jobs yet it’s clear from rising unemployment rates in Geelong and Corio that John Brumby has turned his back on regional job seekers,” he said.
Mr Ryan said the Government had “lost touch” with economic issues impacting regional communities.
“The manufacturing sector in Geelong is a key employer and the financial downturn has hit Geelong particularly hard,” he said.
“Job losses continue to mount, with an inevitable ripple effect felt by small business and families.
“The arrogance of John Brumby in turning his back on regional areas proves that Labor does not care about Victorians who live outside Melbourne.”
Regional and Rural Devel-opment Minister Jacinta Allan did not respond to the Independent’s calls for comment before the paper went to press.