Unemployment rises to 9.5%
UNEMPLOYMENT is up in the region, with the latest Wide Bay figures showing the rate has jumped 1.3% since March.
Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss has called for action to help people into jobs after the latest figures showed the rate was now 9.5%.
"Over the last three months, the unemployment rate has gone up and up and up, from 7.5% in January, to 8.5% in February, to 9.5% for March," Mr Truss said.
"The unemployment figures were volatile for most of last year, hitting 12.3% in August, but a trend has now emerged and again it is going the wrong way.
"This latest increase confirms what local consumers and business people are telling me - confidence is down, people are uncertain about the future, and they are looking for strong leadership from government to establish a sound economic direction for the future. Unfortunately all they are getting from the Gillard-Greens-Independent government is more debt and more taxes - which are the enemies of a strong economy.
"Now is not the time for Australia to go it alone and implement the world's largest carbon tax, which will increase costs for households and business and put jobs at risk.
"I cannot think of a worse time to introduce an economy-wide tax, which by its purpose and design is supposed to reduce consumption, hitting jobs hard.
"Many people and families are doing it tough.
"People need jobs to support their families, to build their skills and confidence and to strengthen the regional economy. The government must take urgent action to rebuild economic confidence, grow skills and ensure business is able to create sustainable jobs."
