Western Australia has hit a new employment milestone, with a remarkable 15,300 more people in work in November, bringing the total number of employed people in the state to an all-time high of 1.63 million. This surge in employment reflects the ongoing strength of WA’s job market, which continues to outperform the rest of the nation.
The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show that Western Australia’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.3 per cent, the lowest of any state in the country and well below the national rate of 3.9 per cent. This marks the 37th month in the past 38 that WA’s unemployment has stayed at or below 4 per cent, making it the longest period of sustained low unemployment in the state’s history. The strength of the labour market is a testament to the resilience of the state’s economy, which continues to grow at an impressive rate.
Since the WA Labor Government took office in 2017, the state has created more than 333,000 jobs. The impressive job creation figures are a direct result of the government’s policies and a thriving domestic economy that has outpaced the national growth rate. In the year to September, WA’s economy grew by 4.7 per cent, more than double the national average of 2.1 per cent.
This economic strength is further highlighted by WA’s population growth, which increased by 2.8 per cent in 2023-24, or 81,400 people. While this growth rate has eased slightly from its peak in September 2023, it remains the highest in the country, underlining the state’s attractiveness as a place to live and work.
Treasurer Rita Saffioti expressed pride in the state’s ongoing success, saying, “It’s great to see another 15,300 people find work in November, with a record of more than 1.63 million Western Australians now employed.” She continued, “Despite the national economy facing challenges from higher interest rates, WA’s economy continues to outperform, with unemployment at 3.3 per cent, the lowest of the states.”
Saffioti highlighted that the job market has remained robust despite external pressures, such as national economic slowdowns. She pointed out that WA has maintained an enviably low unemployment rate for more than three years, a clear sign of a well-functioning labour market. “The strength of our job market has been incredible,” she said, noting that unemployment has remained at or below 4 per cent for nearly three years, marking a period of stability not seen in other states.
Western Australia’s economy has been supported by various sectors, including resources, agriculture, and infrastructure, all of which continue to create jobs and drive economic growth. The state’s labour market has also been bolstered by the growing demand for skilled workers, with industries such as mining, construction, and technology seeing substantial increases in employment opportunities.
In addition to the significant job growth, WA has seen the lowest underemployment rate of any state in Australia, with only 5.5 per cent of people underemployed. This reflects the strength of the state’s workforce and the availability of full-time jobs for those seeking them. Participation in the labour force in WA is also the highest of any state, with 68.8 per cent of people aged 15 and over actively engaged in work.
This solid performance is not just about job numbers. It is also about the quality of employment and the diverse opportunities available to Western Australians. The record number of people in work indicates that the state’s economic growth is translating into real, tangible benefits for the community. Whether through high-paying jobs in the mining and resources sectors or opportunities in emerging industries like technology and innovation, WA is providing jobs that enable people to improve their lives.
The ongoing success of the Western Australian job market is a clear sign of the state’s resilience and adaptability. While other parts of the country are grappling with rising unemployment and economic challenges, WA continues to shine as a beacon of economic success. With record employment numbers, a thriving economy, and an ever-growing population, the state’s future looks bright.
As the state continues to grow, the government’s focus remains on maintaining this momentum and ensuring that all Western Australians have access to quality jobs. This includes supporting local businesses, investing in infrastructure, and attracting new industries to the state.
For the people of Western Australia, these employment figures represent more than just statistics; they reflect the state’s commitment to fostering a healthy, prosperous, and sustainable economy. With 333,000 jobs created since 2017, and a record number of people in work, it is clear that WA is on a path to continued success.
The state’s employment figures highlight the importance of sound policy and effective governance in creating jobs and driving economic growth. As WA’s economy continues to outperform the rest of the country, the government is determined to ensure that the benefits of this growth are felt by everyone in the community.
With a population that continues to grow, and an economy that remains strong, Western Australia is positioned to maintain its status as one of the country’s leading economic powerhouses. As long as the government continues to implement policies that support job creation, infrastructure development, and economic diversification, there is no reason why the state’s job market won’t continue to break records and provide more opportunities for the people of WA.
As Treasurer Rita Saffioti has said, the WA government is committed to ensuring that all Western Australians can have access to quality, local jobs, and the latest employment figures show that this goal is within reach. With the state’s job market continuing to grow and evolve, it is clear that Western Australia is well on its way to becoming an even stronger, more prosperous place to live and work.
In the face of national economic challenges, Western Australia’s economic performance stands out as an example of resilience and strength. The state’s ability to create jobs, drive economic growth, and provide opportunities for its people is a testament to the effectiveness of its policies and the strength of its economy. With the unemployment rate at a record low and job numbers at an all-time high, WA is undoubtedly one of the country’s economic success stories.
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