Figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today show that over the last 12 months the unemployment rate in Ballarat has risen by more than any other region in Victoria.
The May 2020 ABS Detailed Labour Force figures show that in Ballarat the unemployment rate has risen from 1.7 per cent in May 2019 to 7.1 per cent in May 2020. Ballarat’s unemployment rate is now above the national average of 6.9 per cent.
Since restrictions were imposed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak in March, 6,000 workers in Ballarat have lost their jobs.
Comments Attributable to the Shadow Treasurer, Louise Staley:
“These figures paint a grim picture for those looking for work in Ballarat.
“The unemployment rate in Ballarat was rising before the outbreak. Since then more than 6,000 people have lost their jobs. The Andrews Labor Government didn’t have a plan for regional employment before COVID-19, and they still don’t.
“Ballarat and the surrounding areas have had very few COVID-19 cases, and currently have no active cases. But with more and more people losing their jobs, it’s more important than ever that restrictions are eased in regional areas like Ballarat so we can get people back in work and back in business.
