Ms WALKER - 2009-06-11
Can you please update the House on the release earlier today of Australian Labour Force figures and what the figures mean for the Territory?
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy. The release of today’s Labour Force figures show that trend unemployment in the Territory remains steady at 3.9%. We have been steady since February of this year, whilst we are seeing that unemployment rate increasing at the national level up to 5.7%. So it is a very strong result for the Territory in terms of trend unemployment remaining steady at 3.9% and a very good result for the Territory. Our unemployment rate is the second-lowest in the nation. That confirms that our economy continues to lead the nation. Just in the past month, we have seen the total number of jobs increase by about 1000; that is 1000 more Territorians in a job and having the capacity to support themselves and their families.
That increase has tipped the Territory over the 120 000 total jobs mark for the first time in our history. Our trend participation rate has grown for eight consecutive months. We are now at 75.8%; that is the highest on record and the highest in the nation. These figures all go to reinforce the point that, if you want a job, the Territory is the place to be. However, in the face of a global recession, we cannot afford to be complacent. That is why our budget is focused on jobs - 2500 new jobs coming through that $1.3bn infrastructure investment.
ANSWER
Madam Speaker, I thank the member for Nhulunbuy. The release of today’s Labour Force figures show that trend unemployment in the Territory remains steady at 3.9%. We have been steady since February of this year, whilst we are seeing that unemployment rate increasing at the national level up to 5.7%. So it is a very strong result for the Territory in terms of trend unemployment remaining steady at 3.9% and a very good result for the Territory. Our unemployment rate is the second-lowest in the nation. That confirms that our economy continues to lead the nation. Just in the past month, we have seen the total number of jobs increase by about 1000; that is 1000 more Territorians in a job and having the capacity to support themselves and their families.
That increase has tipped the Territory over the 120 000 total jobs mark for the first time in our history. Our trend participation rate has grown for eight consecutive months. We are now at 75.8%; that is the highest on record and the highest in the nation. These figures all go to reinforce the point that, if you want a job, the Territory is the place to be. However, in the face of a global recession, we cannot afford to be complacent. That is why our budget is focused on jobs - 2500 new jobs coming through that $1.3bn infrastructure investment.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016