Western Australia's strong economy underpins record employment

• Western Australia's monthly employment grew by a massive 1.7 per cent or 26,319 people in February
• The outcome is the best result of the states and the strongest growth in almost three years
• Over the past 12 months, employment grew by 4.9 per cent or 74,295 additional jobs
• WA's total employment exceeded 1.6 million for the first time in February
• Australian Bureau of Statistics population data also shows 3.3 per cent growth in WA's population - the strongest growth in almost 15 years
• Results underpinned by continued strength in WA's domestic economy, which grew by 4.7 per cent in 2023 - the strongest in the nation

Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics today shows that Western Australia's economy continues to go from strength to strength, with monthly employment growing by 1.7 per cent or 26,319 jobs in February - the best result of the states and the strongest growth in employment in almost three years (March 2021).

WA's unemployment rate fell to 3.6 per cent in February, below the national rate of 3.7 per cent. The number of unemployed in WA fell by 11,419 for the month.

For the first time, WA's total employment exceeded 1.6 million in February, including record employment for Western Australian men and women.

Over the past 12 months, employment growth in WA has been very strong at 4.9 per cent in year ended terms or 74,295 additional jobs, above the national growth rate of 3.2 per cent.

More than 300,000 jobs have now been created since Labor came to office in 2017 - up 23.4 per cent. This includes 210,434 people during the Labor Government's current term - more than 68 per cent higher than the target of 125,000.

ABS population data was also released today showing that WA's population grew by 3.3 per cent (or 93,591) over the year to September - the strongest in almost 15 years (since March 2009) and the strongest growth in the nation. The growth was underpinned by net overseas migration in line with record national growth. WA was one of only two states that also recorded growth in net interstate migration.

The strong data accords with data released by the ABS earlier this month that showed that WA's domestic economy grew by 4.7 per cent in 2023 - by far the strongest of the states and territories and double the growth in the national economy. 

Comments attributed to Treasurer Rita Saffioti:

"The labour force data released today is another extraordinary result for WA and highlights the continued strength of our economy despite global and national headwinds.

"Creating jobs and keeping our economy strong will always be a key priority of our Government and we are very proud that more than 300,000 jobs that have now been created since Labor came to office.

"The economic data continues to show the massive contribution that Western Australia makes to the national economy. We are truly the economic engine room of the nation.

"Keeping our economy and our finances strong allows us to invest in the things that matter to Western Australians, including easing cost of living pressures, and our record infrastructure program to set the State up for the future."