Queensland has had the biggest increase in the number of people who have jobs but want to work more hours.
In September 2013, there were 178,200 "underemployed", up 24.4 per cent from 143,200 in September 2012, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) revealed on Wednesday.
Shadow State Treasurer Curtis Pitt said the tragic figures reveal the number of Queenslanders who would like to work longer and harder but simply can't find any opportunities under the Newman Government.
"Campbell Newman is asleep at the wheel while Queensland is facing a jobs crisis," Mr Pitt said.
"Last week Queensland's unemployment rate rose to 6.1 per cent seasonally adjusted, up from 5.5 per cent when Campbell Newman was elected, and a world away from the 4 per cent he promised his government would deliver."
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said Mr Pitt continued to talk down the Queensland economy, and said the ABS warned the annual underemployment data should not be used to track changes over time.
He said Queensland's economy was growing faster than the national average and it was that growth that would lead to job creation.
"What Curtis Pitt won't tell you is how the $80 billion in debt left behind by his government is constraining further growth in Queensland and preventing the government from investing in job-creating infrastructure projects," he said.
