Youth unemployment in Melbourne’s west is close to the state average of almost 14 per cent.
Australia Bureau of Statistics figures show unemployment rates in the region, which includes the Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham, Brimbank and Melton municipalities, dropped from a 12-month average of 16.4 per cent in July, 2013, to 13.5 per cent in July this year.
A Brotherhood of St Lawrence analysis of the figures for ages 15 to 24 found the average state unemployment rate in the age range in the year to July was 13.8 per cent – up from 12.3 per cent a year earlier.
The welfare group’s analysis found a further 300,000 young Australians with casual or part-time jobs wanted extra work or full-time positions.
Brotherhood executive director Tony Nicholson said there was less opportunity for young people to walk into jobs.
“It reflects the changing nature of the economy,” he said. “There’s been a decline in manufacturing and jobs that require low skills.”
Although the latest statistics suggest the tide is turning in the west, LeadWest chief executive Craig Rowley is not convinced.
He said a 3 per cent shift was significant but added that he struggled to corroborate the ABS figures.
“We need a much more accurate feed of data from the government and we need to get a real handle on what that data means,” Mr Rowley said. “We also need the ABS to be clearer in unpacking it.”
He said the loss of manufacturing jobs, like those at Altona’s Toyota manufacturing plant, would not be felt for some time and might have a bearing on future statistics.
Hobsons Bay mayor Sandra Wilson said the council was advocating better educational opportunities and public transport to make it easier for young people to access jobs.
“We also have a dedicated team at council investigating opportunities to attract local business and industry, and to generally support the economic development of the area,” she said.
