Today’s ABS Labour Force data for July has once again confirmed our economy is strong and jobs are continuing to be created, with the highest number of Tasmanians ever employed.
Employment in July grew by 0.3 per cent to hit a record-high of 263,000, with 800 jobs added in the month, including record female employment.
Our unemployment rate has also remained steady at 4.5 per cent, the equal lowest of all the states, and still the lowest it’s been in more than 10 years.
Our economic recovery has led the nation and these positive figures once again demonstrate our clear plan is working as we secure Tasmania’s future.
It follows yesterday’s Wage Price Index data for the June 2021 quarter which confirmed that Tasmanian wages have grown 2.2% over the past year, which is the highest annual growth of all the states and territories, for the third quarter in a row.
It also follows positive data released yesterday by the National Skills Commission, which confirmed that Tasmania has seen the largest growth in job vacancies in the nation, with 69.3 per cent more vacancies than before the pandemic. Job vacancies are higher in all three regions, confirming that businesses are confident and looking to hire, in all areas of the State.
However, COVID-19 remains an ever-present threat to our way of life, particularly with the Delta strain that is currently impacting a number of other states.
That’s why next week’s Budget will continue the momentum and deliver on our plan to grow our economy and our workforce, with key investments into education, skills and TasTAFE, to ensure that even more Tasmanians can participate in our growing economy as we work to secure our future.