Unemployment at equal lowest level in 10 years

  • Kelly O'Dwyer Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, Minister for Women, Member for Higgins

Today’s ABS labour force figures show the unemployment rate has fallen to 4.9 per cent, the equal lowest level since December 2008.

There are more Australians in work than ever before. Total employment has increased by 284,100 over the year, to a record high of 12,763,400. Full-time employment is 210,000 higher than it was a year ago.

Again, the level of female total employment has reached a new record high of 6,002,400. Female full-time employment also stands at a record high, at 3,249,100.

A total of 1,288,200 jobs have been created since the Government came to office in September 2013.

Minister for Jobs and Industrial Relations, the Hon Kelly O’Dwyer MP, said today’s figures show the danger of changing course from an economic plan which is working.

“Our economy is facing global headwinds and that’s why we need to stick to our plan, which is helping to build a stronger economy,” Minister O’Dwyer said.

“By contrast, Labor’s only plan for the economy is $200 billion of higher taxes on your retirement, your superannuation, your house, your business and your income.”

“Let’s not forget that the unemployment rate skyrocketed from 4.4 per cent to 5.7 per cent under Labor. In their final year in office, full-time employment actually fell by 20,300.”

“All that Labor’s taxes and job-destroying policies will do is hurt Australians, including many on low and middle incomes, and older Australians,” Minister O’Dwyer concluded.

/Public Release. View in full here.