The region’s jobs total went from an average of 67,200 per month in 2017 to 68,300 in 2018, according to original terms Australian Bureau of Statistics figures.

Jobs growth was fairly evenly split between females (an extra 600 jobs) and males (an extra 500).

The region’s average number of unemployed people dropped from 4400 to 4100, while its unemployment rate fell from 6.2 per cent to 5.6 per cent.

The North-West’s run of job losses looked to have ended, with signs of growth emerging.

The combined North-West and West Coast averaged 50,200 jobs per month in the year to December.

That was 100 fewer than the 12-month average for the previous year.

The latest average was 300 jobs stronger than the average of 49,900 recorded mid-year.

However, jobs in the region remained well below an annual average peak of 51,700 recorded in May 2016.

Jobs held by males were steady at 26,800, while jobs held by females decreased by 100 to 23,400.

The region averaged 3200 unemployed people per month during the year, an increase of 100 on the previous year.

Its unemployment rate averaged 6 per cent, compared to 5.8 per cent in the previous year. 

Greater Hobart’s monthly jobs average (not counting the South-East) increased by 1900 to 113,300 in 2018.

Greater Hobart added 1400 employed females and 400 employed males.

The number of unemployed people increased by 700 to 7300, pushing the unemployment rate up from 5.6 per cent to 6 per cent.

The regional figures were in contrast to recent statewide trend terms figures from the ABS.

They showed Tasmania  as a whole lost a net 2100 jobs in the six months to December. 

Women and full-time workers were the hardest hit.

After the statewide numbers were released, Treasurer Peter Gutwein said:  “ … I welcome today’s confirmation by the ABS that full-time jobs over the past year have grown by 1000 and the unemployment rate has remained steady at 5.8 per cent, significantly lower than the 7.5 per cent when we came to office.”

He also noted growth in job vacancies, saying Tasmania led the nation with the strongest annual growth in the Internet Vacancy Index.

On Thursday, Shadow Treasurer Scott Bacon said: “The day after it was revealed the state was headed for $350 million in debt on his watch, the arrogant Treasurer, Peter Gutwein, has overseen unemployment hitting 6.1 per cent.”

”There are particular concerns as youth unemployment is getting worse under Peter Gutwein.

“The Liberals need to recognise that skills and training continues to be a big problem for employers and more needs to be done to match these skills shortages with the skills and training being offered, particularly for young Tasmanians.

“Labor is working with stakeholders across the state’s key economic sectors with our industry advisory councils (IACs) to create more full-time jobs in Tasmania.”