New findings reveal surge in employment numbers
unemployment rate in Australia remained stable at 4.1% while the number of people who found jobs surged in April, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
The latest labour force data showed that 89,000 people found work in April, while the number of unemployed individuals only increased by 6,000 people.
More women found work in April, rising by 65,000 (0.9%), much higher than the 24,000 men who found work (0.3%), according to the ABS.
The growth in employment fuelled the rise in the employment-to-population ratio to 64.4% in April, just below the record high of 64.5% in January.
On the other hand, the addition of unemployed people meant the labour force expanded by 95,000 individuals, with the participation rate going up to 67.1%.
"The participation rate for 35- to 44-year-olds had the largest annual growth, up 1.9 percentage points to 88.3%," said Sean Crick, ABS head of labour statistics, in a statement.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the data is "very encouraging" and shows the country's economic progress.
"More than 1.1 million jobs have now been created under the Albanese Government, a higher rate of employment growth than any major advanced economy," Chalmers said in a statement. "Today's jobs figures follow data yesterday showing annual real wages have grown for 18 consecutive months."
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth also welcomed the jobs growth data.
"Delivering more jobs and higher wages is one of the best ways we can support Australians with cost-of-living pressures," Rishworth said.
The highest unemployment rate of 4.2% was recorded in three states, including Victoria, Queensland, and Western Victoria, according to the ABS. The other locations logged:
Tasmania's unemployment rate is an all-time low for the state, according to its local government, which cited its 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
"We are a diverse economy that is powered by more than 42,000 small businesses. They are employing, they are confident, and the conditions are right for them to succeed – the data is backing this in," said Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff in a statement.
"We are slashing red tape, working hand in glove with our business community and it's showing positive signs with this latest record low unemployment rate."
Chalmers said Australia's labour market is helping the country weather global uncertainty.
"Amid all the uncertainty and volatility in the global economy, our labour market remains an encouraging source of strength," he said.
"Low unemployment and much lower inflation is a remarkable combination and means we are well placed and well prepared for the challenges coming at us from abroad."
