YOUTH unemployment hotspots in the eastern suburbs are among the worst in WA, according to a new report released today.
Anti-poverty group Brotherhood of St Laurence revealed the five regions in the state with the worst unemployment rates following an analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data for its report ‘An unfair Australia’.
Mundaring, Guildford and Ellenbrook were listed in the third-highest group at 15.1 per cent, ahead of Northam with 14.5 per cent of young unemployed in the Wheatbelt.
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READ NOWThe report shows one third of unemployed people in Australia are aged 15 to 24.
Brotherhood of St Laurence’s executive director Conny Lenneberg said the report exposed how location shapes opportunity for young people.
She said 55 of the nation’s 87 regions are burdened by youth unemployment rates above 11 per cent, in contrast to the national unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent, which includes all age groups.
“In our prosperous country it’s very worrying when we have more than a quarter of a million young people in the labour force who are unemployed,” she said.
“Youth unemployment hotspots in outer suburbs and rural areas are carrying the heaviest burden.
“The modern economy is creating new risks for Australia’s emerging generation. Disadvantaged young people in particular are facing barriers in their effort to secure work.
“To meet this challenge, we need action from governments as well tapping into effort of employers in local communities.
“Stubborn rates of youth unemployment are not just a concern for families or the welfare sector.”
The Brotherhood report also identified areas of the country with the highest youth unemployment.
Research of the regions showed persistent rates of higher-than-average youth unemployment, with 19 of the 20 hotspots with higher rates compared to two years ago.
The national youth unemployment rate is more than 12 per cent, according to the report.
The youth unemployment hotspots
17.7 per cent in the Mandurah region, including Pinjarra
16.0 per cent in the Perth-North West region, including Joondalup, Stirling, Wanneroo, Scarborough
15.1 per cent in the Perth-North East region, including Mundaring, Guildford, Malaga, Ellenbrook
14.5 per cent in the Wheat Belt region, including Albany, Katanning, Narrogin, Northam
14.4 per cent in the Outback region, including Port Hedland, Broome, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Geraldton
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