28,906 Australians off unemployment benefits in last 12 months
Figures released today by the Hon Dr Sharman Stone MP, Minister for Workforce Participation, show that the number of people receiving unemployment benefits nationally fell by 28,906 people (5.3 per cent) between June 2006 and June 2007.
“There are 17,186 fewer long-term unemployed welfare recipients, a fall of 5.3 per cent. These are people who have been receiving income support payments for 12 months or more,” Minister Stone said.
Dr Stone said the drop in unemployment benefit recipients reflected the strong performance of providers of Australian Government employment services, which help people to move from welfare into work.
Between June 2006 and June 2007, the number of job seekers in New South Wales fell by 8.0 per cent (10,414), Victoria recorded a fall of 10.0 per cent (9,023), South Australia fell by 7.8 per cent (2,453), Queensland fell by 16.5 per cent (11,198), Tasmania recorded a fall of 9.2 per cent (1,224), in the Australian Capital Territory the number fell by 31.3 per cent (1,077), Northern Territory fell by 3.8 per cent (193) and Western Australia recorded a fall of 22.2 per cent (5,797).
“The Howard Coalition Government’s strong economic management has resulted in the generation of over 2.1 million (2 130 500) new jobs since March 1996, over half (1 230 000) of which have been full-time positions,” Dr Stone said.
The Job Network has helped over 645,500 people find a job in the twelve months to end June alone. Of these jobs, over 124,400 have been for young Australians, aged 20 years or less, 131 100 have been for mature aged job seekers (aged 45+ years) and 84,200 jobs have been found for Australians of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
As part of the $3.7 billion Welfare to Work package, the Howard Government is investing $1.9 billion to deliver greater employment services and other assistance, including rehabilitation, long- and short-term wage subsidies, funds to modify workplaces to meet the needs of people with disability, upskilling and training of job seekers, and additional child care places.
“These new figures reflect the success of the Howard Government’s approach to helping unemployed Australians to find a job and we are dedicated to ensuring this continues,” Minister Stone said.
Add comment July 26th, 2007