SA records lowest jobless rate in the nation
South Australia has recorded the lowest unemployment rate of any state in the nation, with the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics figures showing the State’s unemployment rate falling to 4.1 per cent in July.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 4.3 per cent in June to 4.1 per cent in July – well below the national rate of 4.5 per cent.
South Australia’s unemployment rate is now the lowest of any state, ahead of Queensland and New South Wales at 4.2 per cent, Western Australia at 4.4 per cent, and Victoria and Tasmania at 5.1 per cent.
There were 989,900 South Australians employed in July, an increase of 400 people over the month.
The result comes as the Malinauskas Government continues to deliver major investments in the state’s economy, skills, infrastructure and future industries.
The Government’s 2026-27 State Budget included more than $650 million in measures to support the economy, including a $50 million Research and Development Productivity Fund to drive innovation, commercialisation and skilled jobs.
We also continue our major investment in infrastructure, including the North-South Corridor and the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital, while backing the industries and workforce needed to take advantage of the opportunities created by AUKUS, the State’s resources sector and emerging industries.
The latest figures reinforce South Australia’s position as an economy with strong employment and a growing pipeline of investment and opportunity.
Quotes
Attributable to Tom Koutsantonis
South Australia has the lowest unemployment rate in the nation – that is a fantastic result for South Australian workers and businesses.
It continues an incredible recent run of economic performance for South Australia.
With 989,900 South Australians employed in July, that equates to 88,200 more people than at the time of the 2022 State Election.
Every single time since records were kept that South Australia’s unemployment rate has had a 3 in front of it has occurred under the Malinauskas Labor Government.
We have seen survey after survey telling the same story – that South Australia is a strong, stable economy and a great place to do business.
That’s why the Business Council of Australia has declared our state the best place in Australia to do business for the last three years running.
Today’s achievement is another sign of the underlying strength and stability of the economy, which was last week reaffirmed by S&P Global with a AA+ credit rating with a positive outlook.