Mr. Wyatt questions the Treasurer's dismissive attitude towards monthly unemployment figures after 22 months of deterioration. The Treasurer defends the government's economic performance, citing recent job growth and a high participation rate.

AnsweredQoN 937Legislative Assembly
Asked
17 November 2016
Portfolio
Treasurer

QuestionView source ↗

STATE ECONOMY — TREASURER'S
COMMENTS
937. Mr B.S. WYATT to the Treasurer:
I have a supplementary question.
Time and again the Treasurer has stated in this place that monthly figures
should not be taken into account. After 22 months of deteriorating
unemployment, at what point will the Treasurer start to take an interest?

AnswerView source ↗

I admit that every month you guys
come out and say, ''This month is bad'', and then you shut up
when it is good! All I can say —
Several members interjected.
The
SPEAKER : That is enough!
Dr
M.D. NAHAN : The member asked a question about the unemployment figures.
What do they say? Six thousand eight hundred additional jobs, 4 000 full‑time
jobs and a large increase in the participation rate, which is two to three
percentage points above the rate in any other state. Those are the facts. Do I think
it is going to continue? It is going to be erratic. But do I think we are going
to have continual improvement? Yes. I have confidence in Western Australia. I have
confidence in the growth of Western Australia. If members opposite do not, give
up!

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