ANDREW Barr says the ACT’s unemployment rate decreased again to 3.6 per cent in June 2016, continuing our status of having the lowest unemployment rate of all Australian states and territories.

“The decrease in the ACT’s employment rate bucked the national trend, which increased to 5.8 per cent in June 2016.

“The ACT Government has worked hard to build confidence in our economy and keep Canberrans employed. Employment growth has been positive for thirteen consecutive months. The 1.5 per cent growth in employment with 3,100 new jobs created through the year is stronger than the Budget estimated outcome of 1 per cent employment growth

“The ACT Government has invested significantly in recent years to ensure Canberra weathered the storm of the Commonwealth’s cuts. This strategy has worked, and now we are seeing the creation of jobs and economic activity in our city.

“Major infrastructure projects have been a driving force behind the growth in our employment base – and this is set to continue with the start of Canberra’s first ever light rail network beginning this week. This project will create thousands of new jobs, and attract international investment into Canberra.

“Direct international flights which begin in September will also help boost our economy – providing new markets for local businesses and increasing our tourism sector. Direct international flights also support one of Canberra’s biggest employment sectors – our tertiary education institutions who are set to expand their offerings internationally.

“We heard this week that the biggest threat to our economy are Liberal Governments, who are prepared to risk our AAA credit rating by tearing up contracts signed in good faith. The ACT Labor Government is the only government creating jobs and attracting investment in Canberra.”