- Western Australian employment rises by almost 21,700 in September, recording the strongest growth of all States
- Number of Western Australians in employment increased to the highest level on record at over 1.7 million
- Western Australia's unemployment rate equal lowest across the States in September
- More than 408,300 jobs created since WA Labor came to office in 2017
- Western Australia's labour market remains strong despite global economic volatility
- Cook Labor Government committed to diversifying the WA economy and creating quality jobs for Western Australians
More Western Australians are in work than ever before, with employment climbing past 1.7 million for the first time in the State's history.
New data from released by the ABS today reveals nearly 21,700 Western Australians secured a job in September, representing a rise of 1.3 per cent since the previous month.
This represented by far the strongest employment growth of all the states, while employment rates fell in almost every other State and nationally.
Since WA Labor came to office in March 2017, more than 408,300 jobs have been created, reflecting the Cook Labor Government's strong commitment to diversifying the economy and generating quality jobs for Western Australians.
Over the past five years, employment in WA increased by 18.3 per cent, the strongest growth among the States and well above the national increase of 14.2 per cent.
Full-time employment has been the key driver of this growth, accounting for 86.2 per cent of the total increase over this period.
WA's unemployment rate was the equal lowest of the States at 4.2 per cent in September, well below the national unemployment rate which was steady at 4.7 per cent.
The data also revealed WA had the equal lowest unemployment rate over the past 12 months, averaging 4.2 per cent.
WA's participation rate jumped to 69.1 per cent in September, and remains the highest of the States, while its annual underemployment rate of 5.5 per cent remains the lowest of the States.
The strong results demonstrate the Cook Labor Government's commitment to diversifying the State's economy and creating quality jobs for Western Australians.
As stated by Treasurer Rita Saffioti:
"Western Australians have worked hard to make our economy the strongest in the nation and we want them to continue to benefit from this success through access to high-quality local jobs.
"These incredible results show Western Australia's labour market is not only among the strongest in the nation, but is continuing to grow, despite employment rates falling across the nation.
"With more Western Australians employed than ever before, its clear our State is one of the best places in the country to find a job, raise a family and build a strong future.
"More than 408,300 jobs have been created since WA Labor was elected, showing our efforts to diversify the economy, support WA industry and businesses are driving results.
"We want to see these numbers continue to climb, which is why we're investing in major job creating projects for our State as well as initiatives like fee-free TAFE to ensure Western Australians are ready to grab hold of these opportunities now and into the future."
