The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has slammed the Andrews Labor Government for making a false and sweeping claim that unemployment in regional Victoria has hit a record low.
Small Area Labour Market data for the March 2023 quarter shows the unemployment rate in Morwell sits at a staggering 11.5 per cent – the highest in regional Victoria.
“Even for the Premier, this claim that unemployment in regional Victoria has hit a record low is a new level of shameless spin,” Mr Cameron said.
“The Andrews Labor Government has pulled the rug out from under the Latrobe Valley workforce.
“The number of jobs in the Latrobe local government area have decreased 8 per cent in the last 11 years, and Labor has failed dismally to create long-term jobs since the closure of Hazelwood.
“The Premier has killed off the native timber industry and Maryvale’s white paper production and thousands of jobs with it, and soon thousands more will be lost with the closure of coal-fired power stations.
“He has failed to deliver on major promises including the electric vehicle manufacturing plant, Morwell food manufacturing precinct, and the Lake Narracan housing development.
“Instead of addressing the jobs crisis in the Valley, Daniel Andrews is culling more local jobs and killing off sustainable industries while unconscionably making a sweeping claim that the labour market in regional Victoria is ‘strong’.”
“The Andrews Labor Government is out of touch and has no regard for Latrobe Valley residents.”
