O’Brien – Extra 10,000 full time jobs created in Victoria

· Victorian and national unemployment rates steady
· Full-time jobs in Victoria increase 10,100 in April 2014
· The Coalition Government is delivering job-creating infrastructure
projects to build a better Victoria

Victoria’s economy created an extra 10,100 full time jobs in the month to April, Treasurer Michael O’Brien noted today.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures reveal that Victoria’s full time jobs growth was the highest in Australia. The unemployment rate remained steady for both Victoria and the nation.

Full time employment increased in Victoria by 10,100 persons, while total employment fell by 5,100 persons, driven by a decrease in part-time employment.

“Confidence in the Victorian economy is demonstrated by Victoria’s labour force participation rate continuing to be the highest of the non-mining states,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Today’s labour force figures underline how important it is to have a strong state budget to fund a record infrastructure pipeline that generates jobs, increases investment and boosts productivity.”

There are now 54,800 more people employed in Victoria than when Labor left office in 2010.

The 2014-15 Budget noted that labour market conditions are expected to improve in 2014-15. Employment is forecast to grow near trend, and the unemployment rate is forecast to average 6.25 per cent for the financial year, consistent with 2013-14.

“Our 2014-15 Budget delivers a record spend of up to $27 billion in job-creating major infrastructure projects,” Mr O’Brien said.

“By contrast, Daniel Andrews and the Labor Party have a job destruction plan; they oppose the East West Link, they oppose the Melbourne Rail Link and the Airport Rail Link and they oppose the Cranbourne-Pakenham Rail Corridor project.

“The only thing that Daniel Andrews and his Labor Party do support is the militant, job-destroying behavior of the CFMEU trade union on construction sites throughout the state.”