We can't cop more job cuts with unemployment rate at 8.4%
DOLE queues are stretching out again, as the region's unemployment rate has risen to 8.4%.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics' Labour Force figures revealed the first rise in two months after the unemployment rate remained steady at 7.2% in August and July.
However, the figures for September this year remain several points lower than at the same time last year, when the jobless rate hit 10.1 per cent.
The numbers were a further indication the employment market remained volatile and reflected the current economy, according to Federal Member for Hinkler Paul Neville.
Mr Neville said the Wide Bay-Burnett unemployment rate was higher than the state average of 6.2 per cent as well as rates recorded in the Mackay-Fitzroy-Central West region where resource, mining and infrastructure industries are strong.
"However it is interesting to note the unemployment rate in the Sunshine Coast region is comparable to that in the Wide Bay-Burnett and in September was recorded at 7.6 per cent," Mr Neville said.
With October figures traditionally reflecting a drop in the unemployment rate, the figures also show unemployment across the Wide Bay, Hervey Bay and Maryborough have been hit harder than neighbouring cities such as Bundaberg.
