South Australia’s jobless rate fell by 0.1% to 4.9% in in the last half of February and first half of March, but remains the highest in the nation according to figures gathered in the lead up to the State Election.

This compares with the national rate of 4%, and the next closest state and territories which are Tasmania on 4.5% and the Northern Territory on 4.1%.

South Australia’s business owners, however, are looking confidently towards the future of the state – with business confidence surging to the highest in the nation following the March 19 State Election, according to a monthly national business survey.

The National Australia Bank Monthly Business Survey, which was carried out between March 21 to March 31, found business confidence in South Australia has improved by 14pts. This was the second largest increase in the nation.

The survey has revealed South Australia leads the nation in business confidence, in front of Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales.

Quotes

Attributable to Treasurer Stephen Mullighan

Today’s employment figures show there is still much work to do be done.

There are positive signs in our economy with business confidence surging to be the highest in the nation.

Labor went to the election with a plan to invest in upskilling more South Australians – because we know investment in our people, education and skills is an investment in our economy.

The Malinauskas Labor Government is committed to working with business and providing stability to enable investment, grow jobs and a positive outlook towards doing business in South Australia.