Queensland job ads on the rise – again

Job advertisements in Queensland are on the rise again, for the fourth consecutive month.

Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure Anna Bligh said the latest ANZ Job Advertisement Series released today show that the trend number of job ads in Queensland rose by 0.7% in October.

“Job ads are of course a leading indicator of employment, and the fact that Queensland’s results are consistently favourable is an indicator of the health of our booming economy,” Ms Bligh said.

“Among all States, only South Australia experienced greater growth in job ads than Queensland in October.

“A strong economy, with sound fiscal leadership, creates optimism across the board as businesses feel more comfortable about putting people on to cope with greater demand.

“The ANZ job ads aren’t the only sign of employment growth going forward.

“Job vacancies reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics reached a record 39,800 for September quarter 2006, and the DEWR Skilled Vacancies index (trend) in Queensland rose 6.1% in annual terms in October.

Ms Bligh acknowledged that further monetary tightening by the Reserve Bank could present some risk to jobs growth going forward, but suggested that the impact of a further interest rate rise on the economy might not make itself felt until 2007.

“The strength of the Smart State as Australia’s economic and jobs powerhouse is always good news, but it’s particularly good news for families in the lead up to Christmas.

Media contact: Deputy Premier’s Office - 322 44379