Queensland records lowest ever unemployment rate

August Labour Force data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows Queensland has recorded its lowest ever unemployment rate since the series began in 1978.

Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said the 3.2 per cent unemployment rate recorded in August beat the previous record of 3.3 per cent set 14 years ago in August 2008.

“Queensland has led the nation in job creation throughout the pandemic, but even by our high standards this is a great result,” the Treasurer said.

“There are now 214,700 more Queenslanders in work than there were in March 2020.

“Pleasingly, 178,700 of those jobs, or 83 per cent, are full time.

“That means Queensland has added the most full-time jobs of any state or territory since the start of the pandemic.

“Our unemployment rate is now the lowest among eastern states.”

Unemployment fell by 0.5 per cent from July to August while an extra 1,400 jobs were created in August.

The record low unemployment rate is just the latest in a series of ABS releases underlining the strength of the Queensland economy.

Queensland’s state final demand rose 1.0 per cent in June quarter 2022, to be 4 per cent higher over the year.

This was 9.1 per cent above the pre-COVID level in March quarter, a remains stronger than the rest of Australia.

Queensland merchandise exports totalled $123 billion in year to July 2022, a doubling from the previous year to be the highest on record.

Media Contact: Geoff Breusch 0417 272 875