10,000 new jobs cut jobless ranks

Unemployment in the Geelong region fell 3.6 per cent after the creation of almost 10,000 new jobs, according to latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures.
State Government seized on the figures to trumpet its economic management credentials.
The ABS figures showed that Victoria’s regional unemployment rate fell from 6.6 to 5.6 per cent, below the national average of 6.1 per cent.
Treasurer Tim Pallas said more always had to be done but the regional job figures were encouraging.
“The news is further evidence of Victoria’s growing economic momentum,” Mr Pallas said.
The figures coincided with latest ABS population data confirming Victoria as a leading destination for overseas and interstate migration, he said.
Victoria’s population was now almost six million people, just short of a quarter of the nation’s entire population.
“Victoria is the fastest growing state in Australia, while consumer confidence in Victoria is the strongest in the nation,“ Mr Pallas said.
“All the economic indicators are reinforcing the Andrews Government’s determined efforts to build business and jobs momentum, and to create opportunities for Victorians to share.
“People go where the jobs are. It’s no coincidence that Victoria’s population is surging in line with its economy.
“People have every right to have confidence in Victoria again. The Andrews Labor Government will continue to press ahead with its agenda to ensure Victoria is once again the leading state in Australia.”