Employment continues to rise in regional Victoria, with 14,500 new jobs created in the three months to May.

Latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that in the year to May 2017, employment in regional Victoria increased by 25,000 people.

Since the Government took office, the increase in jobs in regional Victoria is nearly ten times greater than under the previous government.

Since 2014, 55,300 additional jobs have been created compared with the paltry 5,600 during the previous government’s term.

Pleasingly, Victoria’s east and north west continue to perform strongly, seeing the highest increases across the state for the year, with nearly 17,000 jobs created in the Latrobe Gippsland region.

The unemployment rate remained steady at 5.6 per cent – below the Australian regional average.

The ABS also reported today that the employment in Melbourne has increased by 15,000 people compared with three months ago, and 87,400 people compared with the same time last year .

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

“We promised to get Victoria back to work and that’s exactly what we’re doing, right across the state.”

“Ten times more jobs have been created in regional Victoria under the Andrews Labor Government than the previous Government did in their entire term.”

 Quotes attributable to Minster for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan

“We’re seeing the continued resurgence of Victoria’s regions. and with economic growth come more jobs.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford

“We’re investing billions in better transport, schools and other critical infrastructure in regional Victoria to create jobs, opportunities and stronger regional communities.”