Jobless rate jumps

‘Massive damage’ hurting region’s economy

THE Far North’s unemployment rate is reaching staggering new heights with at least 25 per cent of the population now out of a job.

In a report released by Bill Cummings of Cummings Economics, figures show there has been a 160 per cent increase in the number of people from Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Tablelands, Mareeba and Douglas on unemployment benefits from January to April this year.

The report also showed the biggest jump occurred from February to March, with an 86 per cent increase in the number of people claiming JobSeeker and Youth Allowance payments.

Mr Cummings said the “massive increase” of people in the region on unemployment benefits, as recorded by the Department of Social Services, was cause for serious concern.

“While there has been speculation about the likely impact on the region’s economy of the coronavirus restrictions, hard evidence is now starting to emerge,” Mr Cummings said.

“The number has leapt from about 8402 in the region (4933 in Cairns) in February, to 23,100 in the region (15,617 in Cairns) in April.”

Mr Cummings said allowing interstate travel was vital as the Far North’s estimated unemployment rate had skyrocketed.

“It is quite possible that at present, at end May, there is at least 25 per cent either unemployed or only being in employment due to the JobKeeper program,” he said.

“The figures emphasise the massive damage being done to the region’s economy and the importance of lifting restraints as quickly as possible.”

LNP deputy leader Tim Mander renewed calls at the weekend to bring forward opening the Queensland interstate border to July 1, to help save jobs.

“People are hurting and people need to get back into work,” he said.

“So one of the ways that we can do that with the unemployment rate skyrocketing, is making sure that we have the hospitality and tourism industries back operating once again.”