Regional Victoria is continuing its nation-leading jobs growth with thousands of people finding work across the state last month.

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures published today reflect a growing economy with 9,500 new jobs created in regional Victoria in March, bringing the total number of people working in the regions to more than 835,000.

Victoria’s regional March jobs gain surpassed any other state, outstripping the next closest state by a factor of eight.

Today’s good news follows impressive statewide figures last week that showed more than 100,000 new Victorian jobs had been created in February and March alone – meaning the Andrews Labor Government’s ambitious Jobs Plan target of creating 400,000 new jobs by 2025 had been achieved a full two years ahead of schedule.

Victoria’s regional unemployment rate is a low 3.7 per cent, with more people in jobs in regional Victoria than ever before.

Regional employment in Victoria under the Andrews Labor Government has grown by more than 175,000, or 27 per cent, the highest percentage increase among all states.

Since the pandemic low point in September 2020, Victoria has been at the forefront of national jobs growth, with more than 3.6 million people currently employed across the state and 70 per cent of these in full-time roles.

The overall statewide unemployment rate is at a historically low 3.6 per cent – a significant reduction from the 6.7 per cent rate inherited from the previous Coalition government.

Under the Labor Government, regional Victoria is going from strength to strength, supported by sustained investment in infrastructure, health, education and transport.

ABS data released today showed that regional Victoria’s population had increased by 1.1 per cent over the year to June 2022, with greater Melbourne’s population growing at the same rate.

Recent ABS data revealed that Victoria’s final demand – a key measure combining private and public spending and investment – grew by 4.1 per cent over 2022 compared to the national average of 3.3 per cent

The Government will present a Budget next month that will deliver on election promises and continue the state’s robust economic recovery.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

“It’s fantastic to see regional Victoria thriving and jobs continuing to grow across the state – it means people can plan with confidence for the future.”

“We know having a job means more than just a pay packet – it provides a sense of wellbeing, achievement and security for families of all shapes and sizes.”