The South Coast electorate has suffered the largest unemployment jump due to Labor’s poor economic management.
Shadow Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Chris Rath, and Liberal candidate for the South Coast, Paul Ell, expressed concern at what the latest unemployment figures released by the NSW Parliamentary Research Service show.
Across the year ending in March 2026, the annual rate change in unemployment in the seat of South Coast increased by 2.3% – the largest increase of any electorate in NSW.
Shadow Minister Chris Rath said the data cuts through the Labor Government spin and shows the impact that its policies have had on regional communities like the South Coast.
“Under Labor, NSW has gone from the best performing state economy to the worst, and the South Coast is feeling this pain more than any other region. Our state is in a per capita recession with unemployment increasing and businesses closing,” Mr Rath said.
“With one in five NSW businesses expected to cut staff in the next three months, the worst could still be yet to come for the South Coast. That’s why, unlike Labor’s record high taxes, the Liberals have a plan to slash payroll tax for small and medium businesses.”
Paul Ell said his focus as the Liberal Candidate for South Coast will be on job creation and growing our local economy.
“Our small businesses didn’t need these figures; they already know that our local economy is going backwards. Local businesses are facing some of the most challenging conditions we’ve ever seen, and jobs are being lost as a result,” Mr Ell said.
“Last week, I started my campaign on the first day of NSW Small Business month, which is about celebrating our small business community and their contribution to the economy – but there is nothing to celebrate in these figures.
“With another interest rate increase last week and fuel prices remaining sky high, conditions for small businesses on the South Coast couldn’t be more challenging. I am hearing every day from business owners that it’s getting harder and harder to turn a profit and keep their doors open.
“Kellie Sloane and her Liberal team have a clear plan to deliver tax relief for businesses, supporting them to grow and employ more people. Additionally, the Liberals’ plan to ring-fence at least 25 per cent of all new state infrastructure spending exclusively for regional NSW will help improve supply chains, freight routes, and local amenities that South Coast businesses rely on.
“Only a Liberal Government will be able to help turn around the South Coast economy, leading to more local jobs and better living standards of our community,” Mr Ell concluded.
