Queensland’s unemployment remains at record lows: Bligh

Queensland has again produced its best monthly unemployment figures since at least 1978, Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for infrastructure Anna Bligh said today.

“This is more good news and a continued vote of confidence in the Queensland economy.

“This is good for business, good for confidence and most of all good news for families.

“It again reaffirms we are the nation’s jobs engine room.”

Queensland's trend unemployment remained at 4.6% in September.

“This equals the lowest monthly trend unemployment rate recorded in Queensland since the inception of the current Labour Force series in February 1978.

“In Queensland, trend growth in full-time employment (up 9,100 jobs) continued to drive jobs growth in July, while part-time employment increased slightly (up 900 jobs).

“Over the year, Queensland recorded an increase in full-time employment of 69,400 which accounted for almost a third (34.9%) of full-time jobs created nationally.

“Queensland’s employment growth across the year was 4% - compared with only 2.6% nationally.

“Part-time employment in the State increased 10,800 over the year.

“The particiaption rate – the share of the total population wanting to be in the labour force – reached an historic high of 67.4% in September.

“This is great news for jobs seekers and it is great news for our economy,” said the Treasurer.

“With unemployment at record lowes and the paricipation rate at record highs, a greater share of the Queensland population is in employment than ever before.

“It’s another great jobs day in Queensland,” she said.

12 October 2006

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office 3224 4379