Labour force figures released today by the ABS underscore the strength and resilience of the Australian labour market, with seasonally adjusted employment increasing for the 11th consecutive month in June 2019, to stand at a record high of 12,871,700.
Seasonally adjusted employment is now 296,300 (or 2.4 per cent) higher than it was a year ago and is well above its decade annual average growth rate of 1.8 per cent.
Encouragingly, full-time employment rose strongly, by 21,100 in June, to stand at a record high of 8,815,600, and is now 246,500 (or 2.9 per cent) higher than it was a year ago.
Importantly, full-time employment comprised 83.2 per cent of total employment growth over the last year. Part-time employment fell by 20,600 over the month, to stand at 4,056,100, but is 49,800 (or 1.2 per cent) higher than it was a year ago.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was steady in June, at 5.2 per cent, but is 0.1 percentage points below the rate recorded a year ago.
The seasonally adjusted participation rate was also steady in June, at 66.0 per cent, its equal highest rate on record.
The Minister for Employment, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash, welcomed today’s positive jobs figures, which reflect the Morrison Government’s prudent economic policy stance.
“Since the Morrison Government came to office in September 2013, almost 1.4 million jobs have been created, an increase of 12.2 per cent,” the Minister said.
While ABS labour force figures can jump around from month to month, today’s data continue to reflect a strong labour market and highlight the success of the Government’s efforts to stimulate ongoing, sustainable jobs growth, even in the face of significant global and domestic headwinds.
