SA continues to outperform almost every other state and territory for its strong jobs rebound since the depths of the COVID-19 pandemic, as latest figures show annual overseas goods exports have surged to more than $12 billion.
Total employee jobs in SA increased by 12.5 per cent in the 12 months since the COVID low point of April 18 last year – behind only WA (12.6) and well above the national average of 10.2 per cent, according to the ABS Labour Force: Single Touch Payroll data.
SA is also among Australia's best performing states for the total value of employee wages paid since April 18, 2020 – up 9.8 per cent, compared to 8.8 per cent nationally.
And in a further boost to the state's ongoing economic and jobs growth, the value of South Australia's overseas goods exports in the year to March rose a nation-leading 9.5 per cent to $12.1 billion.
In contrast, falls were recorded in Victoria (down 13 per cent), New South Wales (-14 per cent), NT (-18 per cent) and QLD (-28 per cent).
Treasurer Rob Lucas welcomed the latest figures which showed SA continued to perform relatively well in relation to its COVID-19 recovery.
"It's pleasing to see South Australia continues to outperform every other state and territory, except WA, for total employee jobs growth – while the value of overseas goods exports has surged to more than $12 billion," said Mr Lucas.
"Other key indicators, such as relative population growth, housing finance and dwelling starts have all recorded a significant uplift, while the latest NAB quarterly business survey showed SA business confidence was higher here than anywhere else in the nation.
"But we know there's much more work to be done, which is why we are investing a record $4 billion in stimulus to turbo charge our economy."
Mr Lucas said the Marshall Government also continued to deliver significant cost-of-living relief for hardworking families and businesses, helping to drive down the cost of average household bills for water, electricity, car registration through lower CTP insurance premiums and the Emergency Services Levy.
An average household* is now around $930 a year better off under the Marshall Liberal Government and its lower cost policies.
*The huge hip-pocket savings include:
- massive reductions in average household water and sewerage bills (an average $200 a year saving)
- cheaper ESL bills ($163.60)
- cheaper electricity ($269)
- reduced car rego costs through lower CTP Insurance premiums for a 2-car family ($200), and
- a doubling of sports vouchers for primary school-aged children's swimming and other sports lessons (from $50 to $100).
For a typical Adelaide household with two children and two cars, this equates to around $933 in annual budget relief.
