Jobs growth headlines upbeat rumblings for regional Victoria

RECENT figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) have shown that an extra 5800 regional Victorians found work in November – the highest regional jobs growth among all states.

The increase pushed total regional employment in Victoria to 822,000 jobs, with Victoria’s total employment now at a record 3.83 million.

The regional unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.4 per cent, the lowest in Australia. More people are choosing to call Victoria home too, with the population increasing by 1.8 per cent to 7.07 million over the year to June 2025.

Victoria’s economy has grown faster than any other state in the past decade, with “state final demand” – a measure of the economy that combines public and private investment and spending – increasing by 2.2 per cent over the year to September 2025.

The State Government claims that its sustained action to drive economic growth and support business, workers and families is supporting regional jobs and creating opportunities for Victorians.

Victorian Treasurer Jaclyn Symes commented that the ABS data proves “regional Victoria is booming, with more people in work and the economy strong”.

“By creating the homes that young Victorians need, delivering world-class healthcare and building the transport infrastructure we need – we are setting Victoria up for a strong future,” she said.

According to Regional Development Victoria’s annual report for 2024-25, the Victorian regional economy is now worth $118 billion, accounting for around a quarter of the state’s economic output, population, small businesses and employment.