Good News For Women

Labor force data released this week shows that female employment remains high while wages growth remains strong.

The Minister for Family and Community Services and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women’s Issues, Senator Kay Patterson, said that across the board female employment is strong with female unemployment at just 5.5%.

“Since the Howard Government came to office, female employment has grown strongly, in March 1996 female unemployment was 7.6%.

“Over 1.6 million new jobs have been created since the Howard Government was elected.

“Since the Howard Government came to office, womens earnings have increased as a proportion of male earnings with an increase in adult ordinary time earnings from 83.2% to 84.8%.

“Through our strong economic management, Australian women now have more opportunities and choice, including those provided by workforce participation,” Senator Patterson said.