Here we go again, our leaders would have us believe that we are experiencing one of the best times for employment and that our job numbers are just dandy.

Well what a load I say.

Just how many of these workers are experiencing 'under employment'?

How many jobs have been created (at our expense) fixing the 'stuff ups' labor has created?

Finally, if things are so 'dandy', why are so many stressed and living on the edge?

More importantly, how on earth are we going to cope if the tide does turn?

I think it's high time we redefine the way jobs are counted so there is at least some 'real truth' in the numbers.

Rechtub in all probability you are not a bad bloke.
You how ever run of in wrong directions armed with the wrong information more than not.
5% is considered nearly as close to full employment as we get.
I do not agree but it is excepted, conservatives, financial experts, both sides say any less is likely to bring wage hike pressures.
Now fixing Labors mess, fun stuff not unexpected but this is true.
We have a two speed economy, mining is dragging on the ability of trades employers to find staff.
This will now see,with out doubt more 457 imported workers to rebuild areas hit by fire storm and flood.
I know of no massive unemployment in areas other than those hit by this crisis do you?

Belly, my point is that in the way that employment numbers are calculated.

In any normal situation, where there are less than 5% unemployed, one would expect those 95% would have cash spilling from their wallets, but they don't!

It is yet another useful tool governments (from both sides) use to talk the talk.

Now as for high unemployment numbers, Cains, Whitsundays, in fact, pretty much any tourist destination is experiencing crippling unemployment, even before the floods/cyclone etc.

In fact, North qld tourism is on its knees, it's just that that info has not really surfaced yet. Of cause, as usual, the natural disasters will be blamed. How very convenient!

Rechtub I understood on first reading your point,actually agree with the part about hours needed to work.
It was introduced to hide unemployment numbers, in far worse times than now.
We can not use Islands[no pun intended] of high unemployment as a rule of nation wide situation.
Work exists if you are prepared to move to find it.
Many jump in about here and say why should I move.
I did often, and at times it hurt, lost Friends and lifestyle.
I think, no red neck here, it is past time for reform in welfare,unemployment payments.
Not army like regimentation but we can do far better job refugees exist.
Some can benefit by training others by relocating.
If someone knows how to contribute the long term unemployment numbers here it would be good.
But a measure of our failure not a jobs crisis.

One way to approach things would be to stop punishing people for working. What I mean is, many choose not to work, or, work less in order to get the welfare payments.

So, what about if they received the welfare for their family on top of their wages. The additional taxes generated should go towards off setting the welfare, BUT, this must also only come in if welfare becomes strictly for essentials only, NO CASH!

If you want the nice things in life, get a job!

It's the same method of calculating employment figures that was use during the Howard era but in those days it was seen as an indication of a strong economy and good government.

Now it's Labor in power and with the numbers looking even better, it's suddenly become a problem?