Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has used recent unemployment data to hit out at Illawarra Labor MPs for their failure to address jobs, employment, and the local economy.
This data was revealed in a NSW Parliamentary Research Paper prepared by the independent Parliament Library. The paper can be found here.
The data reveals a stark contrast in unemployment rates across the region. While the Kiama electorate stands at a low 3.0%, the electorates of Wollongong and Shellharbour are struggling with unemployment rates of 9.2% and 7.4%, respectively – among the highest in the State.
“A strong local economy starts with creating jobs for our communities, yet under this Labor Government, we are seeing higher unemployment rates in areas that have the potential to thrive,” Mr Ward said.
“Labor can talk all they want about supporting workers, but the numbers don’t lie. Wollongong and Shellharbour have some of the highest unemployment rates in New South Wales. How is it that, in these electorates with a strong manufacturing and industrial base, Labor has failed to create sustainable local jobs?”
Mr Ward went on to highlight a worrying trend in Labor's policies.
“Last week, NSW Labor once again proved its lack of commitment to local jobs by announcing it will assemble imported buses, rather than invest in our own local manufacturers and materials. This comes after their failure to honour a pre-election promise to purchase the second airport line trains locally. It’s a disgrace.
“Whether it’s importing steel, importing medication rather than using NSW based suppliers, or importing trains and buses, this Labor Government continues to side with overseas interests instead of backing local jobs.
“The unemployment data starkly illustrates the cost of this failure in areas like Wollongong and Shellharbour, where we have the capacity to manufacture and a supply chain ready to support it,” Mr Ward said.
Mr Ward urged the Government to refocus on policies that support local manufacturing and reduce unemployment in this key region
“We must support local businesses, create jobs, and invest in the skills of our people. It’s time for the State Government to stop prioritising imports and start prioritising local jobs,” Mr Ward concluded.