Northern Territory Employment Lags

"The failure of the Martin Government to make inroads into the Territory's 4.6% unemployment rate is of great concern,” says Terry Mills, Deputy Opposition Leader.

"To get to the end of the Dry Season and have a Territory unemployment rate 1.5% above where it was at the start of the year, suggests increasing problems with the Territory labour market.

"The fact that the Territory's unemployment rate has gone from well below the national average at the start of the year, to well above it today, confirms the failure of the Martin Government to take advantage of the sustained expansion of the national economy.

"The Territory is enjoying the fruits of the same minerals driven expansion that has fed the Western Australian economy.

"The contrast in employment outcomes between WA and NT is stark - WA enjoying the enviable figure of 3.5% unemployment.

"Effective policies developed at the State and Territory Government level can and do have a impact upon the various rates of unemployment experienced throughout the Federation.

"When this year's January figures were released the Treasurer, Syd Stirling, issued a media release claiming credit for the figures due to – 'sound financial management' that saw the Territory 'bucking the national trend' and 'registering a record low in unemployment'.

"He also claimed 'there is a clear trend' to lower unemployment.

"We now know those words were nothing more than wishful thinking on behalf of the Treasurer.

"The question is, has the Treasurer recognised the folly of his ways and moved to implement policies that will improve employment outcomes in the Territory?

"The Treasurer may be a good spruiker but his real job requires action on the economic front to address these worrying trends. If not, it will be his job on the line.”

2007-09-08