With the local economy in recession, it’s tough for everyone trying to find a job right now. But if you’re a young person trying to start your career in Western Australia, it’s become even more difficult.

AMWU State Secretary Steve McCartney joined 6PR Morning host Gary Adshead yesterday morning to talk about how the local manufacturing industry is struggling as WA experiences a recession.

West Australian rail workers have demanded a comprehensive State Government strategy to maximise job opportunities for local manufacturing workers and businesses, with the mining boom over and unemployment continuing to rise.

Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union WA State Secretary Steve McCartney has called on the Federal and WA Liberal governments to completely rule out the use of overseas labour during construction and operation of the new $400 million lithium processing plant in Kwinana.

This week’s unemployment figures have highlighted Western Australia’s need for a State Government that has a plan for diversifying our economy and creating jobs.

A poll of 600 people in Perth’s suburbs has revealed dire levels of financial pressure and job insecurity, as well as a bleak outlook for jobs and the Barnett Government’s ability to address these key economic issues.

As Colin Barnett waits excitedly to cut the ribbon on the $440 million Elizabeth Quay this weekend, WA has received yet another sobering report on the state of the economy.

The release this week of the first CommSec State of the States economic performance report for 2016 showed WA’s economy is still on a downward trajectory.

Anyone hoping that the Barnett Government would deliver a plan for jobs in this year’s budget would have been disappointed again yesterday.

Despite a record 95,700 Western Australians being out of work, and this number expected to grow, Mr Barnett was again silent on job creation.

The WA economy is in freefall, and Colin Barnett has no idea what to do.

There are now 95,700 people unemployed in Western Australia. The highest number of people looking for work ever recorded in our State’s history.

And there aren’t many reasons to be optimistic. 

At a time when the future of the local shipbuilding industry is hanging in the balance, and the Federal Government is considering tenders to build the next fleet of navy vessels, where is the State Government’s voice for WA?

With a highly skilled, experienced and capable local ship building industry, WA stands as a logical choice to play a major part in future government shipbuilding programs.