Queensland the standout state in jobs creation
Published Thursday, 10 April, 2014 at 01:29 PM
Treasurer and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Tim Nicholls
The latest ABS labour force figures again show Queensland is leading Australia in employment growth.
Treasurer Tim Nicholls said Queensland had created more jobs than any other state over the past year.
“In the 12 months to March 2014 Queensland created more jobs than any other state, in both trend and seasonally adjusted terms,” Mr Nicholls said.
“Today’s strong result again shows the Newman Government’s plan to grow a four-pillar economy, after years of neglect by Labor, is working.
“Under Labor, Queensland consistently had the highest unemployment rate in mainland Australia.
“Under the LNP seasonally adjusted employment has increased by 61,000 in the last year, more than double the next best performing state. This includes an increase of 12,000 jobs in the last month alone.
“The trend measure shows an increase of 39,100 jobs in the last 12 months, including 4,200 in March.
“Importantly, trend employment has grown for 11 months straight.”
Mr Nicholls said seasonally adjusted unemployment dropped 0.1 percentage points in March to 6.1 per cent.
“The trend rate remained steady, also at 6.1 per cent,” he said.
“The participation rate also increased in March, on both measures, which is a further sign of confidence.
“We know there is more to do, and that not all Queenslanders are yet experiencing the full benefits of this growth, but the figures are encouraging.
“Today’s figures again highlight the need for the Government to be able to fund job-creating infrastructure projects in the future.
“If we’re going to be able to do that we will have to find ways to lower Labor’s $80 billion debt so that we can free up funds for these projects.”
[ENDS] 10 April 2014
Media Contact: Treasurer’s Office 07 3719 7200