Tara Murray
The unemployment rate in Hume is back on the rise with some Hume suburbs with some of the highest rates in the state according to new data.
The recently released Jobs and Skills Australia data revealed the unemployment rate in Hume in the September quarter was 6.3 per cent, up from 6.1 in the previous quarter.
The June quarter had been the lowest the rate had been in Hume s unemployment had been in the available data dating back to December 2010. The September figure is the second lowest in that period.
Brimbank and Greater Dandenong had the highest rate in greater Melbourne for that period at 6.4 per cent, while Central Highlands had the highest rate in the state at 6.8 per cent,
The Meadow Heights and Tullmarine area had the highest rate in Hume for the September at 13.9 per cent, an increase of 0.4 per cent.
Campbellfield and Coolaroo were up 0.3 per cent to 13.7 per cent and Broadmeadows was up 0.1 per cent to 13.4 per cent.
The majority of Hume suburbs had an increase in the reporting period with Greenvale-Bulla the exception, staying steady at 2.8 per cent.
The Victorian unemployment rate was 3.9 per cent.
Hume council said it is aware of this increase and remains concerned about unemployment in Hume and its impact on our residents.
“We also know that unemployment is an intergenerational issue that has many elements and causes,” a Hume spokesperson said.
“Hume’s unemployment rate has improved relative to greater Melbourne, but remains an ongoing concern and is subject to a number of interventions from council:”
Among the initiatives Hume council has implemented to try and decrease the unemployment rate including attracting new businesses, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering job creation in key industries,
The council has set up labour market programs like the Local Jobs for Local People initiative, which connects unemployed residents with job opportunities in Hume.
The council also has workforce development programs which provide training, education, and re-skilling opportunities through the Hume Multiversity.
In Whittlesea, the unemployment rate rose from 4.2 per cent to 4.4 per cent in the September quarter.
Thomastown’s unemployment rate rose by 0.7 per cent to 8.7 per cent, while Epping South’s rose 1.1 per cent to eight per cent to be the highest in the municipality.
