Media Releases
Wednesday, 7th May 2003
For every job advertised on the Government’s much-vaunted Australian Job Search website in Central and Northern Queensland there are 10 job seekers.
An analysis of Government data reveals that there are 25,500 job seekers in Central and Northern Queensland and only 2,639 jobs on the Job Search website – many of which are part-time.
This new analysis comes on top of the latest ANZ survey which found that in April the number of job ads in newspapers across the country had slumped 12.1% to a 9 year low.
These latest figures highlight the gloomy situation confronting those Australians who simply want to work and provide for their families.
At a time when there is simply not enough jobs to go around we have a Minister and a Government more concerned about promoting a computer system that can send SMS’s to those few job seekers fortunate enough to be able to afford a mobile phone. This is nothing short of perverse priorities.
Also at a time when job seekers need more, not less personalised assistance the Government is closing 42% of the Job Network sites located in Central and Northern Queensland. This translates into the loss of 38 sites between now and 1 July.
The Government has promised that nationally there will be up to 50,000 jobs advertises on the Job Search website – today there are only 31,762.
After 7 years in office the Howard Government’s employment strategies have only been able to deliver a rise in long-term unemployment. The number of people unemployed for more than 12 months is higher today than when the Howard Government was first elected to office. This is a national disgrace.
The latest analysis of vacancy numbers confirms that this situation is only likely to get worse.
Communities in this region include: Ayr, Cairns, Mackay, Gladstone, Innisfail, Rockhampton, Mt Isa, Longreach and Townsville.
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Electorate Office
334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9564 3588
Parliament House Office
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Phone: 02 6277 7700
Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au
We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which our offices stand and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the sorrow of the Stolen Generations and the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Authorised by Anthony Albanese. 334a Marrickville Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204.