Posted on: 23 April 2024
South Australia’s unemployment rate has risen by more than half a per cent – the biggest increase in the country – while there are now 11,500 fewer people in full-time employment.
New Labour Force statistics released today show unemployment in South Australia is up 0.6 per cent, now sitting at 3.9 per cent.
The significant jump in unemployment was the biggest increase of any state, meaning South Australia is just 0.2 per cent away from equalling Victoria and Queensland for the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 4.1 per cent.
For the month of March there were 10,000 fewer people employed than in the previous month.
Shadow Treasurer Matt Cowdrey said the sharp rise in South Australia’s unemployment rate is alarming.
“The new data shows that there are 11,500 fewer people in full-time employment in South Australia and further demonstrates a trend of alarming job losses,” Mr Cowdrey said.
“During the cost of living and housing crises, when families are struggling to put food on the table and small businesses are fighting to keep the lights on, these new statistics are cause for concern.
“The number of South Australians unemployed has surged and, under Labor, we are back approaching the worst unemployment rate in the country.
“As we come into the winter months, and with electricity prices out of control and no new cost of living relief on the cards for the average family or small business, we could see the unemployment rate soar further.”
Shadow Minister for Finance and Tax Reform, Heidi Girolamo, said the Malinauskas Labor Government must reveal its economic plan.
“There has been a sizeable decrease in the number of South Australians employed and the sugar hit of events season is quickly evaporating,” Ms Girolamo.
“We know during the summer months extra casual work is on offer for events and festivals, but with those opportunities gone, what is Peter Malinauskas’ plan to keep people in jobs and money coming through the door?
“Peter Malinauskas needs an economic plan for South Australia and must be looking at broad cost of living relief for all households and businesses in the upcoming budget.”