ACOSS has welcomed the drop in the monthly unemployment rate to 5.7% in September, down from 5.8% in the previous month, in figures released today by the ABS.

“Today’s figures give unemployed Australians hope for the future. It is a really positive sign that full-time employment has picked up and 35,400 full time jobs have been created,” said Clare Martin, CEO, Australian Council of Social Service.

“Given the global picture and severity of the financial crisis, it is a significant achievement that Australia has avoided higher levels of unemployment.

“The Government should be congratulated on its policies to date to stimulate the economy and protect jobs.”

“There is still work to do and we look forward to partnering with Government on initiatives to help more unemployed Australians get jobs, especially people who have been out of work for over a year.

“Almost 60% of jobless people are on unemployment payments for over a year and suffer the demoralising effects of prolonged unemployment.”

ACOSS has been advocating for :

• A paid work experience plan to help long term jobseekers into the workforce
• An increase in unemployment payments to address the inadequacy of this payment. The single Newstart allowance is $228 per week, which is an astounding $108 per week less than the single pension.

Media Contact: Clare Cameron, 0419 626 155