Trend unemployment remains steady

Treasurer Tim Nicholls says today’s ABS Labour Force data shows the trend unemployment rate remains steady in Queensland at 5.7 per cent.

“This comes after seven consecutive months of trend employment growth,” Mr Nicholls said.

“While the more volatile seasonally adjusted rate increased only marginally by 0.1 per cent to 5.8 per cent, the more reliable trend figure shows employment in Queensland is stable and continues to trend in the right direction.

Mr Nicholls said the 2013-14 State Budget papers show that employment growth in 2013-14 is expected to be 2.25 per cent, almost double the national average.

“In just three years we are anticipating that 180,000 jobs will be created across the state, making Queensland the engine room of the national economy,” he said.

“However, there is still work to be done and we continue to be focused on growing the economy.

“The Newman Government remains committed to achieving its target of a four per cent unemployment rate over six years.

“We will not lose sight of our goal and will keep working every day to ensure Queensland is a great state with great opportunity.”

[ENDS] 13 June 2013

Media contact: Treasurer’s Office – 07 3224 6900