Unemployment Figures

The Hon. H.M. GIROLAMO (14:57): Can the Treasurer please outline to the house the latest unemployment and employment figures for South Australia and how they compare with four years ago?

The Hon. C.M. Scriven interjecting:

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS (Treasurer) (14:57): Don't tempt me.

The Hon. C.M. Scriven interjecting:

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: I've still got two more days.

The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: The Hon. Ms Scriven, don't bait him, please.

The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: Exactly, Mr Deputy President, I am easily baited. I thank the honourable member for her question. I think it is useful, four years into this parliamentary term and as we imminently approach the state election just five weeks away, to take stock of where we were and where we are currently. I am sure all members in this chamber will be delighted that the unemployment rate, recorded in the most recent unemployment rate figures, shows South Australia's unemployment rate at 3.9 per cent—an unemployment rate with a '3' in front of it.

Back in February 2018, just prior to the last election four years ago, the unemployment rate in South Australia was 6.2 per cent. For the whole of the 12 months leading into February 2018 unemployment averaged 6.8 per cent. I remind members: 3.9 per cent in December of last year, just a month ago, an average of 6.8 per cent and 6.2 per cent. During the last two to three years of that government, that sorry and tired government, there were unemployment numbers on a monthly basis of 6, 7 and 8 per cent, as it varied during that particular period.

I am also, more importantly, delighted to be able to report that when we look at the total number of people employed in South Australia at 882,600, that is an increase of just under 44,000 on the number of people who had jobs and were employed in March 2018.

So, in the period of this particular government, there is an increase in people employed in South Australia whilst we have been fighting a global pandemic. I remind members that in March 2018 there was no global pandemic, so in the midst of fighting a global pandemic, saving lives, trying to save businesses and jobs, we have still managed to employ nearly 44,000 more South Australians, with an unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent.

The Hon. Ms Girolamo, as a newer member, and all the other members of this particular team and the government should be delighted with the government's record in relation to this critical area of providing jobs for South Australian families.