Hard Work Paying Off

Media Release.

Thursday, 20 June 2013

Unemployment figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the Far North's unemployment rate has fallen to its lowest levels since mid 2008. The rate decreased by 2.2% on the April figure of 7.2% and is sitting at 5% for the month of May. Senator for Queensland Jan McLucas welcomed the news but acknowledged some sectors of the region's economy were still doing it tough. "While I am cautious about these figures, I can say that the last time our region's unemployment rate was this low was in the heady days of 2008, just before the GFC struck," said Senator McLucas. "We have continued to see a decreasing trend in the unemployment rate over the past 12 months and this year is very much about rebuilding now that recovery is well underway. Senator McLucas congratulated local business and community leaders for uniting over the past year to help bring about a solid recovery and new opportunities for the region. "The hard work of organisations like RDA Far North Queensland and Torres Strait, and Advance Cairns to identify ways to diversify our region's economy is paying off. "Local employment projects facilitated by our Local Employment Coordinator have also contributed, with 108 businesses supported through workforce development and 220 individuals assisted with training opportunities and jobs." Senator McLucas said yesterday's announcement of $150 million in Australian Government funding to local councils was also great news for Cairns and Far North Queensland, which is set to share in over $4.3 million. "This is a perfect opportunity for local councils across the region to generate more jobs through community infrastructure projects and I look forward to seeing some great applications.