LEICHHARDT MP Warren Entsch has labelled the skyrocketing youth unemployment rate in North Queensland a “disgrace” after figures revealed the youth jobless rate had tripled to a staggering 28.4 per cent in the North.
“The jobless rate among 20 to 24-year-olds has doubled since Kevin Rudd came into power in 2007,” he said.
“Our region now has some of the highest youth unemployment in Queensland.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that one in four of our young people are currently out of work.
“This is a direct result of the Labor Government’s inability to support small businesses and business growth getting in their way instead of helping them.
“To add insult to injury, Rudd slashed $242 million in trainee and apprentice subsidies, so there is even less incentive for employers to take on a younger, unskilled worker.”
“The Coalition has committed to scrapping red and green tape, reducing unnecessary regulation and increasing productivity.
“Yesterday we committed to a $1.5 billion tax cut for businesses.
“These are the sorts of things that will help businesses be profitable and if businesses are profitable, they will employ more people, take on trainees and give our young people hope for the future.”
He said the figures spoke for themselves.
“During Labor’s term in office, long term unemployment in Queensland has jumped up by a third, and we now have 110,800 16 to 21-year-olds living on the dole….that’s a 63 per cent rise in six years.”
Mr Entsch said the problem would only escalate under Labor’s reign of chaos, division and dysfunction.
“In the Economic Statement released last week, Labor are predicting unemployment to rise considerably,” Mr Entsch said. “Despite all their talk about job creation, we can see firsthand that this simply isn’t happening.
“Only a vote for the Coalition can deliver a strong, stable government and give local business the surety and confidence to invest and employ people again.”
Media Contact: Heather Beck (Warren Entsch’s office) 0427 585 668
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