
Australia's unemployment rate has been a key focus area for the government, with the major political parties using it as a platform during elections. The unemployment rate in Australia was 5.7% according to the Parliament of Australia in 2019. While the rates of unemployment have been decreasing since 2020, the state-wise distribution of unemployment rates varies. As of June 2023, South Australia had the highest unemployment rate of 4.2%, while the Australian Capital Territory had the highest rate of 3.9% in 2019. Queensland, which had the highest unemployment rate in 2019, has seen a decline in employment opportunities due to the decline of the manufacturing and industrial sectors. Economic growth and job creation are being prioritized by the Australian government to tackle this issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | June 2023 |
| State with the highest unemployment rate | South Australia |
| Unemployment rate of the state with the highest unemployment rate | 4.2% |
| State with the second-highest unemployment rate | Australian Capital Territory |
| Unemployment rate of the state with the second-highest unemployment rate | 3.9% |
| Overall unemployment rate in Australia | 3.5% |
| Unemployment rate in Queensland | 6.5% |
| Unemployment rate in Australia in 2022 | 3.7% |
| Unemployment rate in Australia in 2021 | 5.12% |
| Unemployment rate in Australia in 2020 | 6.46% |
| Average unemployment rate in Australia from 1978 to 2016 | 6.92% |
| All-time high unemployment rate in Australia (year: 1992) | 11.10% |
| Lowest unemployment rate in Australia (year: 2008) | 4% |
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What You'll Learn

Queensland's unemployment rate in 2019
As of June 2023, South Australia had the highest unemployment rate among all states in Australia, with approximately 4.2% of those eligible to work not in employment. While this provides insight into the current unemployment landscape in the country, it is also worth examining historical trends to understand the evolution of unemployment rates in specific states, such as Queensland.
Queensland's unemployment rate has fluctuated over the years, and as of April 2019, it stood at 6.1%. This represented a period of increasing unemployment in the state, with the rate climbing through the May 2018-April 2019 period. Queensland's unemployment rate of 6.1% in April 2019 was notably higher than the record low it experienced in November 2022, when it dropped to 3.01%.
Unemployment rates are crucial economic indicators, and their monitoring is a priority for the Australian government. While Queensland's unemployment rate in 2019 was significant, it is important to acknowledge that the state has experienced higher rates in the past, such as in February 1993, when the unemployment rate reached an all-time high of 11.708%.
The unemployment rate in Queensland, as well as in other states, is influenced by various factors, including industry trends, labour force participation, and broader economic conditions. Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective policies and strategies to address unemployment challenges and promote economic growth and stability in the region.
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Unemployment in the Australian Outback
Unemployment is a key issue in Australia, with the country's government regularly making it a priority. While the overall unemployment rate in Australia was 5.7% in 2019, the rate varies across the country's states and territories.
In June 2023, South Australia had the highest unemployment rate among all states, with 4.2% of those eligible to work not in employment. However, in 2019, the state of Queensland had the highest unemployment rate at 6.5%. This high unemployment rate in Queensland is largely due to the situation in the Australian Outback, where unemployment rates can exceed 14%.
The Australian Outback is a vast and sparsely populated region that covers large areas of Queensland and other states. The region has traditionally relied on manufacturing and industrial projects for jobs, but many of these industries are no longer operational. This decline in manufacturing and industrial jobs has contributed to the high unemployment rate in the Outback, as the growth in employment has not kept up with the increasing labour force.
The Australian government has recognized the need to support economic growth and improve the labour market. They have implemented policies aimed at increasing the country's growth potential and creating an environment that will generate approximately two million jobs over the next ten years. These policies are particularly important for the Australian Outback, where unemployment rates remain high.
In addition to government initiatives, addressing unemployment in the Australian Outback may require a range of strategies. This could include attracting new industries to the region, developing local tourism, and providing support for small businesses and start-ups. By diversifying the economic base and fostering entrepreneurship, it may be possible to create sustainable job opportunities and reduce unemployment in this unique and challenging environment.
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Unemployment in South Australia in 2023
As of June 2023, South Australia had the highest unemployment rate among all states and territories in Australia. Approximately 4.2% of those eligible to work were not in employment. This figure is slightly higher than the Australian Capital Territory, which had an unemployment rate of 3.9% during the same period.
Unemployment in South Australia has likely contributed to the overall unemployment rate in the country, which has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 4% and 6% before dropping to 3.5% in June 2023. Despite this recent decline, long-term unemployment remains a significant concern in Australia, with rates nearly doubling between 2009 and 2019.
Several factors may have influenced the elevated unemployment rate in South Australia. Economic conditions, labour market dynamics, and industry trends within the state could have played a role. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on the economy and job market may have had lingering effects, making it challenging for some individuals to find work.
The Australian government has regularly addressed unemployment as a key priority, and it remains a pivotal political platform for major parties during elections. However, long-term unemployment persists as an issue, with 82% of unemployed individuals reporting difficulty in finding work. This challenge is not unique to South Australia but is reflected across the country, underscoring the need for sustained attention and effective policy interventions to address unemployment and support those seeking employment opportunities.
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Australian unemployment trends in 2022
Australia's unemployment rate has been on a downward trajectory in recent years, with the country's unemployment rate for 2022 recorded at 3.70%, a 1.42% decline from 2021. This decline in unemployment is part of a broader trend, with the unemployment rate in 2021 recorded at 5.12%, a 1.34% decline from 2020.
While the country's unemployment rate has decreased overall, there are variations among Australia's states and territories. As of 2019, the state of Queensland had the highest unemployment rate at 6.5%, while the Australian Capital Territory had the lowest unemployment rate at 3.5%. The high unemployment rate in Queensland is attributed to the high rates of unemployment in the Australian Outback, where unemployment can exceed 14%. The decline in manufacturing and industrial projects in this region has contributed to the high unemployment rate.
The Australian government has recognised the importance of addressing unemployment, with unemployment levels and the economy being a key political platform for major parties during elections. The government has implemented policies aimed at boosting economic growth and creating an environment conducive to job creation.
Unemployment rates vary across Australia due to its mixed-market economy structure. The service sector dominates the Australian economy, contributing 70% of the country's GDP, while the mining sector, though in decline, accounts for 7% of GDP. The largest employment industries include healthcare, manufacturing, retail trade, and the service industry.
While the unemployment rate in Australia has decreased overall, it is important to address regional disparities and the specific challenges faced by certain states and territories.
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Unemployment in the Australian Capital Territory
As of June 2023, South Australia had the highest unemployment rate among all states and territories in Australia, with approximately 4.2% of those eligible to work not in employment. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) had the second-highest unemployment rate of 3.9%.
Unemployment in the ACT has been on a downward trajectory, with the territory recording a rate of 3.881% in August 2024, a decrease from 3.969% in July 2024. The ACT exhibited the lowest unemployment rate of 3.6% as of March 2019, with almost a third of workers employed in the public sector. The territory's economy is primarily concentrated in Canberra, the capital city of Australia, and is composed of about 75% service industries, particularly those related to federal and local government administration.
Construction is also a significant contributor to the ACT economy, bolstered by government-funded projects and a vibrant residential market. In contrast, primary sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and mining represent a negligible proportion of the economy. The territory's economy has been characterized by a negative balance of trade since 2012-13, with a small goods trade and a growing service export industry, including education and public administration services.
The ACT government has actively supported small and medium-sized businesses through initiatives like the Canberra Innovation Network and Brand CBR, providing funding and promotion for local enterprises. Fiscal policy since 2012 has been expansionary, with reductions in payroll tax rates and stamp duties. As of 2017, government expenditure and public gross fixed capital formation constituted approximately 51.7% of ACT real GSP, with household consumption contributing 38.2% and private investment at 11.1%.
The main industries by gross value added are public administration and safety (25.9%), healthcare services (11.0%), and professional, scientific, and technical services (8.7%). As of March 2019, approximately 227,900 people were employed in the ACT, with about 63.5% being full-time workers. Professionals represent the largest proportion of workers (30.5%), followed by clerical and administrative workers, and managers (16.9%). Over 30% of the workforce is employed in public service jobs, including defence and safety, while healthcare and social assistance, and education and training account for 10.4% and 9.6%, respectively.
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Frequently asked questions
As of June 2023, South Australia has the highest unemployment rate at approximately 4.2%.
The unemployment rate in Australia was 3.7% in 2022, a decline from 5.12% in 2021.
The Australian Capital Territory had an unemployment rate of 3.9% as of June 2023, the second-highest in the country.
Australia's unemployment rates are influenced by various factors, including cyclical weak demand for labour, structural issues in matching unemployed workers with available jobs, and the decline of the mining sector.
Unemployment rates can vary across different states and territories in Australia. For example, Queensland had a higher unemployment rate of 6.5% in 2019 due to high unemployment rates in the Australian Outback.





























