Figs. show WA still has lowest unemployment rate of any State

7/11/96

Western Australia still has the lowest unemployment rate of any State and is more than a full percentage point below the national average.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released today show WA's unemployment rate for October is 7.6 per cent, a slight rise from 7.5 per cent in September.

The national average is 8.8 per cent, up from 8.7.

Employment and Training Minister Norman Moore said overall, the unemployment rate for the month was stable, reflecting trends in the national economy, while in the last 12 months almost 15,000 extra jobs had been created in the State.

"WA has an annual employment growth rate of 1.8 per cent, which is higher that the national average of 1.6 per cent," Mr Moore said.

"We also continue to have the highest participation rate of any Australian State, currently standing at 66.2 per cent, compared with a national rate of 63.6 per cent.

"Youth unemployment in WA is 21.9 per cent - the lowest of any mainland State and almost five percentage points lower than the national average of 26.5 per cent."

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444