PM Transcripts

I PRIME MINISTER 0.*
FOR MEDIA 9 July 1981
UNEMPLOYMlENT FIGURES
The preliminary estimates for unemployment during
June, released today, are welcome evidence of continuing strong
improvement in the employment situation.
Taken with the results of the May labour force survey,
released yesterday, they demonstrate a marked strengthening of the
labor market, in line with economic activity.
The Government can take a degree of satisfaction in
achieving a sustained turnaround in employment in this country
when, worldwide, job prospects are considerably less bright.
Employment growth in Australia, some 2.2 per cent. in . the.
12 months to the end of May this year, is currently running..
double the rate of the OECD countries overall, and-the--continuedfall
in unemployment in Australia contrasts with the trend of
rising unemployment rates in these countries.
This has happened because of the policies the Government
has pursued to control inflation and to encourage the private sector
to play a larger role in our economy, and so create more real and
lasting jobs for Australians.
I am particularly pleased that the fall in unemployment
during June was spread across all States and major categories cf
job-seekers, with significant improvements registered for young,
people.
ø(. Statement by the Acting Prime Minister,
the Rt. Hon. J. D. Anthony, M. P.)