Elsie Lange
New data reveals Hume’s unemployment rate has decreased in the past quarter by 1.6 per cent, but still remains high.
National Skills Commission data released earlier this year showed a drop in unemployment in the Hume from 12.1 per cent in June last year, to 10.5 per cent in the September quarter.
While some areas of Hume are still experiencing an extremely high jobless rate – 20.4 per cent in Broadmeadows down from 22.8 per cent in June – the figures are lower in others – 5.6 per cent in Sunbury down from 6.5 per cent.
Hume’s figures are still more than double the statewide average of 4.1 per cent, despite the statewide figure being at its lowest since 1978.
Sunbury Business Association president Michael Osborne said the reason the jobless rate had dropped in Hume was most likely to do with peoples’ confidence as the state emerges from the Omicron wave.
“I’d be interested to see how the December 2021 figures look and hopefully they’re better again, because that confidence is growing a little bit, without the threat of lockdown hanging over our head,” Mr Osborne said.
Mr Osborne said the Hume figures were not representative of Sunbury, but said its a relief to see the Hume unemployment rate had declined overall.
“It’s recognition of the feeling that we’re getting that people are just starting to be more confident to employ people,” he said.
Michael Sharp, director of planning and development at Hume council, said the local government area is “well positioned” to recover from the blow of COVID-19 to its skilled workforce.
“Pre COVID-19, Hume had been experiencing strong economic and jobs growth for three years,” Mr Sharp said.
“Hume City’s Gross Regional Product is currently estimated at $17.87 billion, which represents 3.79% of the state’s GSP (Gross State Product) – the highest percentage it has ever been.
“Investment by new business into Hume, particularly in manufacturing and transport and logistics, is currently high, showing strong signs of economic recovery.
“Similar growth is occurring with existing businesses. We anticipate that new jobs will accompany this growth, further contributing to driving the unemployment rate down over the next 18 months,” he said.
