Labour market challenges continue to be more pronounced in many regional and remote areas, which typically experience weaker labour market conditions than their metropolitan city counterparts.
However, the latest Regional Labour Market Indicator (RLMI) results suggest a shift, with conditions improving in regional areas on average as labour market conditions continue to show signs of easing in some metropolitan areas.
For instance, the labour market rating declined for 14 metropolitan areas (or 31%) and improved for only 3 (or 7%) over the year to September 2024. Conversely, regional areas showed stronger growth on average, with the labour market rating improving for 7 areas (or 29%), and declining for just 3 (or 13%) over the same period.
Greater Melbourne is an example of the gradual easing of conditions in metropolitan areas, while several regions near the New South Wales and Queensland border are examples of where conditions have improved in regional areas.
For more insights, read the full results.
