Category Archives: Labour market

Low wages growth adds to concerns over strength of economy

Posted on February 25, 2016 by Gene Tunny

The ABS was right to identify the extraordinary nature of the December quarter wages data in the title of its media release, “2015 ends with lowest wage growth on record.” This applies at both the national level and in Queensland … Continue reading →

Posted in Infrastructure, Labour market, Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Unemployment data confirm Qld economy still in soft patch

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Gene Tunny

Regular readers will know that I have been a bit skeptical about the State Government’s overly optimistic statements regarding the Queensland economy (e.g. see yesterday’s post). The economy has certainly been resilient at the end of the mining boom, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour market, Macroeconomy, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Challenging conditions outside SEQ

Posted on January 21, 2016 by Gene Tunny

In his recent commentary regarding strong growth in the retail sector, National Retail Association CEO Trevor Evans noted: “South East Queensland is performing strongly but performance in Queensland is being held back by issues in some areas…Some areas are living … Continue reading →

Posted in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Infrastructure, Labour market, Mackay, Macroeconomy, Mining, North Queensland, Queensland Government, Townsville, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Economic pain continues for Townsville

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Gene Tunny

With the nickel refinery at Yabulu outside Townsville now in administration, following the sacking of hundreds of workers last week, Townsville residents are right to be very concerned about the economic impact of a possible refinery shutdown, and the loss … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour market, Townsville, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Penalty rates reform should be considered as way to reduce youth unemployment

Posted on January 15, 2016 by Gene Tunny

New labour force data from the ABS yesterday showed that Queensland ended 2015 with solid employment growth, and with the unemployment rate falling slightly further to 5.8 per cent, as the Queensland economy remains resilient at the end of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour market, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Surprisingly good jobs data shows economy’s resilience

Posted on December 11, 2015 by Gene Tunny

I am quoted in today’s Courier-Mail regarding yesterday’s surprisingly good jobs data published by the ABS (e.g. see chart above): In a sign the state is working through the mining downturn, there have been 50,800 jobs added since the Palaszczuk … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour market, Macroeconomy, Tourism, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Qld employment growth is great news, but it is still not strong from historical perspective

Posted on November 13, 2015 by Gene Tunny

Wisely, Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt did not get too excited over yesterday’s employment numbers, which were surprisingly strong at a national level, with the Treasurer noting, regarding the State unemployment rate, “While it’s welcome news that the seasonally adjusted unemployment … Continue reading →

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HSBC’s Paul Bloxham to discuss services sector in time of no ordinary disruption

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Gene Tunny

I am very much looking forward to the presentation in Brisbane next Wednesday by HSBC’s Paul Bloxham, on Australia’s next growth driver: The rise of the services sector, to the Queensland branch of the Economic Society of Australia, of which … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour market | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Qld regions have been struggling and not just the mining ones

Posted on October 22, 2015 by Gene Tunny

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill’s alleged lack of success in bringing new infrastructure projects to the city may become a major issue in the mayoral election in March next year, based on a report in today’s Townsville Bulletin. The Mayor may … Continue reading →

Posted in Labour market, Macroeconomy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Upcoming presentation by HSBC’s Paul Bloxham on Australia’s next growth driver, the services sector

Posted on October 10, 2015 by Gene Tunny

With such significant uncertainty regarding the economic outlook, as the Australian economy is re-balancing at the end of the mining boom, there is much speculation regarding the future drivers of economic growth and jobs. Hence I am delighted that HSBC’s … Continue reading →

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