Australia has achieved the highest female participation rate in the workforce ever recorded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics at 61.8%, up from 61.4% in February today’s unemployment figures show.
Unemployment overall declined to 5.6%, down from 5.8% in February, with around 71,000 jobs created. Of those around 55,400 or 78% went to women.
Female rates of underemployment have also fallen to the lowest level in over seven years.
“Today’s figures are a welcome confirmation that the Morrison Government’s economic recovery plan is delivering for women.” Minister for Women’s Economic Security Senator the Hon Jane Hume said.
“Increasing female participation in the workforce is key to enhancing women’s economic security, and that is exactly what the Morrison Government is achieving.”
“Whether it be income tax cuts, business investment incentives, female entrepreneur programs or our investments in infrastructure, skills and training – the Morrison Government’s record investment in Australia’s economic recovery is delivering for women.”
The Morrison Government welcomes today’s positive numbers. However, the impact of COVID-19 will continue to be felt for some time and there is still a long road ahead.
The Government’s Economic Recovery Plan, described by the OECD as ‘key’ to saving jobs, will continue to create employment opportunities in Australia and secure the economic and labour market future for all Australians, and particularly Australian women.