A Fairfax Media analysis of regional labour force data shows the average unemployment rate in Ballarat has surged from 2.5 per cent to 6.4 per cent in the space of a year. The unemployment rate in Bendigo has jumped from 5.1 per cent to 8 per cent.

In Shepparton, hit by uncertainty about the future of fruit cannery SPC Ardmona, unemployment has climbed from 5.25 per cent to 7.4 per cent.

In Geelong unemployment has jumped from 5 per cent to 8.2 per cent.

The figures shed new light on last week’s claim by Treasurer Michael O’Brien that regional employment had “increased by 1000 people over the year to October”.

The increase was nowhere near enough to absorb annual population growth.

Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews said yesterday that Victoria was facing an employment emergency.

“Jobs start with skills and that’s why it is so unforgivable that in the midst of a youth unemployment crisis the Liberals have gutted TAFE,” he said.

Victoria’s teenage unemployment rate has hit 21 per cent, the nation’s second highest behind Tasmania’s.

Meanwhile, Clive Palmer launched his party’s Victorian election campaign yesterday without two things: detailed policies and a state leader.

In a 25-minute speech short on local policy detail, Mr Palmer said employment, health and education were key issues for the Palmer United Party, urging all Victorians to vote for his party in the Legislative Council and entrust it with the balance of power.

“For most of the time since Federation, Victoria was Australia’s premier state, and it can be again,” he told an audience of about 100.

Mr Palmer told the launch stories of growing up in regional Victoria, including spending holidays in Sale where he entered the local fishing competition.

DO you have a question you want answered by the Benambra candidates ahead of this month’s Victorian election on November 29?

If so, The Border Mail is giving you the opportunity next week to take part in a series of four moderated online forums, starting on Tuesday.

Each night the forums will last one hour from 7pm from Tuesday to Friday, with one of the four candidates answering your questions live.

Just log onto our website at www.bordermail.com.au to join the discussion and ask your question or comment on the candidates’ policies.

The program for the forums is:

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Submit your question below and we'll select a handful to put forward to the candidate. Their answers will be featured in a "preview" story the morning of their individual debate. 

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