The Andrews Labor government is leading the way to create job opportunities and drive economic growth across regional Victoria. Before the 2014 state election Labor committed to creating 100 000 full-time jobs in the first two years of government, and we are on track to deliver that commitment and deliver it ahead of time.
Data released in July by the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that jobs growth is booming in regional Victoria, where the three-month average unemployment rate has dropped from 6.7 per cent in March to 5.6 per cent in June. Employment growth has been particularly good in the Geelong and north-west Victoria regions, with 9500 people and 4700 people employed respectively. The unemployment rate in the Geelong region, which includes the Surf Coast and Lara, was 5 per cent below the national and state average. In June 2016 employment in Warrnambool and the south-west region had increased by 900 persons compared to the same time last year.
We have created more jobs in the 18 months since we came to power than the Liberal government managed to achieve in its entire term of government. The Andrews Labor government is focused on jobs and investment in regional Victoria as well as the strong financial management of Victoria. The Andrews Labor government is also creating the right environment for employment growth right across regional Victoria and the entire state — a significant point of difference from the previous Liberal-Nationals government.