The Morrison Government’s economic plan is delivering for Australian women. On the back of the record female participation rate achieved in April, we now have more women in the workforce than ever before.
Overall unemployment has dropped to 5.1% from April to May. The number of employed women increased by 69,000 in May - 1.6% above the start of the pandemic. Hours worked are also up, and now 4.1% higher for women than prior to the pandemic. More women that want additional hours of work are able to get them, with female underemployment now 1.9% lower than prior to the pandemic. This is the lowest rate in over a decade.
The Morrison Government’s plan to drive down unemployment is working, with measures to boost female participation announced in the budget including an expansion of childcare for second and subsequent children set to further enhance outcomes for women.
Senator the Hon Jane Hume, Minister for Women’s Economic Security said this data shows that the Morrison Government is delivering for Australian women. Workforce participation, hours worked, the gender pay gap - all of these factors are moving in the right direction.
“These aren’t just numbers - these are Australian women who are getting ahead, improving their lives, getting more hours at work than ever before. There are few things as important to women’s economic security than a good job - and the Morrison Government is delivering.”
The Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business said all Australians should be encouraged by these figures.
“Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic has been extraordinary, leading the developed world. Australia’s unemployment rate is now better than prior to the pandemic, with a record number of women in work.”
“The Morrison Government’s economic plan is working.”
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics Labour Force data can be found on the Australian Bureau of Statistics website.