Almost 60,000 jobs have been created in regional Victoria under the Andrews Labor Government.

Latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that employment in regional Victoria grew by 18,700 people in the three months to June, with the unemployment rate dropping to 5.1 per cent.

Since we took office, some 59,800 regional jobs have been created, compared to just 5,600 during the previous Coalition Government’s term.

We promised to get Victorians back to work and that’s exactly what we’re doing – and these figures prove it.

Just last week, the ABS confirmed that more than a quarter of a million Victorians are now working since we were elected.

In the last 12 months to June, regional employment has grown by 3.9 per cent.

That means less people are out of work in the regions, with unemployment dropping 0.8 per cent to 5.1 per cent since March – below the national regional average of 5.4 per cent.

Victoria’s North West and Hume regions were the strongest performers over the quarter, with 7,800 and 7,200 people gaining employment respectively between April and June.

Today’s strong regional employment result builds on yesterday’s Deloitte Access Economics report, which proved that our infrastructure pipeline is delivering thousands of jobs and building the transport links Victorians need.

Quotes attributable to Acting Treasurer Gavin Jennings

“Since we were elected, we’ve created almost 60,000 new jobs in regional Victoria alone.”

“With a lower payroll tax burden, our regional businesses will be able to hire more people and welcome even more business.”

Quote attributable to Minster for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan

“Backed by our strong investments, jobs are being created at an incredible pace in regional Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“Whether it’s building new schools or making sure our roads are up to scratch or making record investments in public transport, we’re delivering on the priorities that regional Victoria need to thrive.”