Queensland keeps delivering on jobs

Queensland added over 1,000 jobs each day through May, according to data released today by the Australia Bureau of Statistics.

Treasurer and Minister for Investment Cameron Dick said the surge in jobs growth showed that the Palaszczuk Labor Government’s economic recovery plan from COVID-19 is working.

“Last month marked the first anniversary of the Premier’s announcement of Queensland’s Unite & Recover plan for COVID-19, and today’s data shows just how far our state has come in that time,” the Treasurer said.

“Unemployment is now lower than it was pre-COVID, a worthy dividend for the resilience and composure Queenslanders have shown since the start of the pandemic.

“The 0.7 per cent fall in unemployment to 5.4 per cent is the biggest fall in the nation.

“Queensland now has 84,900 more jobs than our pre-COVID level in March last year – the highest rise in the nation.

“And Queensland’s labour market did all of this while the participation rate – the share of people in work or seeking work – increased to 66.6%, almost half a percentage point above the national average.

“The Palaszczuk Government has added 337,400 jobs since we came to office.

“Our Economic Recovery Plan is working.

“And our Budget continues that good work.”

Queensland is now 84,900 jobs above its pre-COVID level in March last year – the highest in the nation.

The unemployment rate in Queensland posted the largest fall in the nation, falling to 5.4% -- now below its pre-COVID level.

And the Queensland labour market did all of this while the participation rate – the share of people in work or seeking work – increased to 66.6%, almost half a percentage point above the national average.

The Palaszczuk Government has added 337,400 jobs since we came to office.

Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Skills and Training Development Di Farmer said every Queenslander deserves the chance to get a good job.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring every Queenslander has the opportunity to get the training they need to get the job they want,” Minister Farmer said.

“The latest figures today show that we are well on the way to achieving that.

“Our flagship programs Skilling Queenslanders for Work and Back to Work have already helped more than 60,000 Queenslanders into work, and in this week’s Budget we announced a nearly half billion-dollar investment to ensure they can help thousands more.”

Media Contact: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875