Unemployment has fallen in the Upper Lachlan and Hilltops shires, but more work needs to be done to create local jobs.

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said in the past nine months, Upper Lachlan Shire’s jobless rate had dropped from 3.0% (September quarter 2017) to 2.8% (June quarter 2018).

“The Upper Lachlan results are broadly in line with other falling unemployment rates across Hume,” Mr Taylor said.

He said there was still more work to be done in areas where employment opportunities were not as readily available.

In the Hilltops LGA, including Boorowa, the jobless rate has fallen only marginally from 6.8% to 6.7% over the past 12 months.

“The Boorowa area has my attention and I will be working closely with the community on initiatives to bring the jobless rate down,” Mr Taylor said.

He said the right policy settings were in place, with the Australian economy creating on average more than 800 new jobs per day over the past 12 months.

“Full-time employment has increased strongly. Female employment has increased. While the labour force figures can jump around from month to month, the results over the past year continue to reflect a strong labour market.”

Mr Taylor said the unemployment rate had also fallen across other parts of Hume:

Camden LGA  2.7% (June 2017) down to 2.0% (June 2018)

Goulburn Mulwaree LGA 6.5% (September 2017) down to 6.0% (June 2018)

Wollondilly LGA 3.2% (June 2017) down to 2.1% (June 2018)