In a blow for Ipswich jobseekers, the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Labour Force report shows that an extra 2,400 Ipswich residents are unemployed since the election of the Albanese Labor government.
As at March 2024, there were 13,500 Ipswich residents unemployed. This is an increase of 2,400 since May 2022 when the Albanese Labor government was elected.
Locally based Senator Paul Scarr said: “The increase in unemployed Ipswich residents is deeply concerning. These are not just numbers; these are members of our own Ipswich community who are struggling to find work. There are now more unemployed in Ipswich than at any time since the COVID19 pandemic ended. This is deeply concerning.”
In the last twelve months, Ipswich’s unemployment rate has risen from 5.4% to 6.4%, which is almost two full percentage points higher than Queensland’s unemployment rate at 4.5%.
The ABS statistics also indicate that Ipswich has the second highest youth unemployment rate in Queensland at 13.3% compared to a Queensland average of 9.3%.
Senator Scarr said: “That means Ipswich has a higher youth unemployment rate than anywhere in Brisbane, Cairns, Logan, Toowoomba or the Gold Coast. It is so important that young people have employment so they can become established in the work force and build skills and confidence.”
Senator Scarr said: “The whole economy is struggling under the cost-of-living crisis. This is making it harder for small businesses to pay their costs. At the same time, people are spending less. It becomes a vicious circle.”
“After two years of the Albanese Labor government, it’s clear that Ipswich is worse off.
“Ipswich deserves better,” said Senator Scarr.
