Labour market challenges continue to be more pronounced in many Australian regional/remote areas, which typically experience weaker labour market conditions than their metropolitan city counterparts.
However, the June 2024 Regional Labour Market Index (RLMI) results suggest a shift, indicating a gradual easing in labour market conditions in some metropolitan/regional city areas.
For instance, the relative labour market rating declined for 13 metropolitan/regional city areas, and improved for 4, over the year to June 2024. By comparison, the relative labour market rating improved for 7 regional areas, and declined for 4, over the same period.
Inner Metropolitan Brisbane demonstrates signs of a gradual easing of conditions, reflecting the broader trend in other metropolitan and regional city areas. In contrast, 3 regions on the border of New South Wales and Victoria highlight the positive changes occurring in regional areas, where labour market conditions have generally improved.
