Boomtime not shared by all

TASMANIA’ S economic boom seems a somewhat abstract triumph to Luke Heywood of Wattle Grove as he beds down in his car between the part-time jobs he works to make ends meet.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein yesterday hailed the state’s performance in the latest CommSec State of the States report.

Mr Heywood works two jobs — as a school cleaner and a security guard — totalling around 30 hours a week and is keen to find something with longer hours and more regular shifts.

The timing of his shifts means there is often no time to return home between them.

“I only get four and half [to] five hours sleep in between jobs. Thankfully that’s not every day but it’s still enough to make an impact on my health,” he said.

“I’ve worked shift work pretty much my whole life. And while it wasn’t a huge issue while I was single it’s not conducive to family life,” the Huon Valley man said.

The Labor Party says Mr Heywood is an example of the increasing number of Tasmanians who are struggling to make ends meet as unemployment increases and full-time job growth stalls.

“All he wants is a 40-hour working week,” Opposition Leader Rebecca White said.

“It’s not unreasonable. It’s what most people would hope for and he wants secure work so he can provide a life for his family and look after himself and look after those that he loves.

“Unfortunately in Tasmania’s economy right now, our unemployment rate being the highest in the nation and underemployment being the highest in the nation, it means many people can’t find the hours they’re looking for to get by week to week. Luke’s story is not unique. There are too many people just like him and the government haven’t clearly explained what they’re doing to turn the jobs figures around.”