New ABS data released today has confirmed our economy is continuing its recovery from COVID-19 with Tasmania recording the highest jobs growth in the nation.

The data shows that over the last two weeks of January, the number of jobs in Tasmania grew 2.2 per cent – the highest growth rate in the nation, and nearly double national growth of 1.3 per cent.

Furthermore, the number of jobs grew 6.2 per cent in the month of January, as Tasmanians returned to work following the summer break.

This follows the Revised Estimates Report (mid-year Budget review) released yesterday which confirmed our economic recovery is well underway, with our economy growing faster than expected and also improvement in the State’s financial position.

Importantly, almost 80 per cent of Tasmanians have now returned to work since the height of the pandemic in May 2020 and our participation rate has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

But we know that there is more to do. That’s why we will continue to focus on the health and safety of Tasmanians as we manage this pandemic, and we will continue our focus on growing our economy, creating jobs, and getting more Tasmanians back into work as we rebuild a stronger Tasmania.