LNP denies contributing to QLD unemployment rate
ONE of Queensland's senior government ministers has rejected suggestions the LNP's public servant job cuts caused the state's rising unemployment figures.
Attorney-General and Justice Minister Jarrod Bleijie compared the LNP's policies to "turning an enormous ship" and the anticipated results, including revitalising the private sector, would eventually take effect.
He said some private sector industries, such as construction and tourism, had not recovered but the government's approach should put more money in pockets and create more jobs in the long term.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released on Thursday showed the total number of unemployed Australians jumped 0.3% to 5.4% in September on the back of a boost to the nation's labour force.
The 0.8% rise in unemployment in the state was more than 19,000, above the 14,000 figure the State Government claims it is sacking internally.
Together union secretary Alex Scott said the ABS figures reflected not just the effect of job cuts, but also consumer sentiment destruction despite a mining boom.
"What we have seen is a dramatic drop-off in consumer sentiment as a result of a slash and burn approach of the Queensland Government," he said.
"The job cuts in the public sector are only the tip of the iceberg.
"No where else in Australia are we seeing such an increase."
