Participation and Employment
Improved levels of labour force participation and productivity are vital to maintaining living standards and economic growth. The workforce needs of Western Australia and Australia as a whole will change as the economy undergoes cyclical upturns and downturns. This research theme informs the development of policies aimed at meeting workforce needs and promoting productivity in WA and nationally. Examples include labour market barriers and opportunities faced by disadvantaged groups in society, such as low-skilled individuals and the long-term unemployed; the role that skilled migration plays in meeting changing workforce needs; and changing labour market conditions in WA.
Related Projects
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WA Women’s Report Card 2022
Indigenous Employment Index
WA Women’s Report Card 2019
Evolution and Future Growth of Stem Skills in the WA Workforce
Maximising the potential of employees with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Housing tenure, mobility and labour market adjustments
Related Publications
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The impact of minimum wages on overall health and well-being: Global evidence from the Gallup World Poll
Highlights We examine how minimum wage increases impact overall health and well-being. Our analysis uses Gallup World Poll data (2009–2020) from 87 countries worldwide. Higher minimum wages improve health and certain aspects of well-being. The effects likely arise from both... Read article
Highlights We examine how minimum wage increases impact overall health and well-being. Our analysis uses Gallup World Poll data (2009–2020) from 87 countries worldwide. Higher minimum wages improve health and certain aspects of well-being. The effects likely arise from both... Read article
The costs and benefits of implementing a universal reproductive health leave entitlement in Australia
The Health Services Union (HSU), the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU), the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) and Aware Super have engaged the services of the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC) to assess the cost of implementing a universal... Read article
The Health Services Union (HSU), the Health and Community Services Union (HACSU), the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) and Aware Super have engaged the services of the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre (BCEC) to assess the cost of implementing a universal... Read article
Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre Annual Report 2024
In 2024, the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre made significant strides in building its national reputation while continuing to address key economic and social issues in Western Australia. Our research and policy advice gained greater visibility and influence at both state... Read article
In 2024, the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre made significant strides in building its national reputation while continuing to address key economic and social issues in Western Australia. Our research and policy advice gained greater visibility and influence at both state... Read article
BCEC Monthly Labour Market Update – February 2025
— Surprise 52,800 drop in the number of persons employed. — — Unemployment rate remains at 4.1 per cent thanks to big drop in participation. — — Direction of labour market difficult to read amidst volatility and revisions to previous... Read article
— Surprise 52,800 drop in the number of persons employed. — — Unemployment rate remains at 4.1 per cent thanks to big drop in participation. — — Direction of labour market difficult to read amidst volatility and revisions to previous... Read article
Executive Summary: Youth in Focus: Navigating wellbeing in a changing world
This Executive Summary is a printable summary of the key findings and recommendations from the BCEC report, Youth in Focus: Navigating wellbeing in a changing world, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the priorities and perspectives of young Australians, offering... Read article
This Executive Summary is a printable summary of the key findings and recommendations from the BCEC report, Youth in Focus: Navigating wellbeing in a changing world, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the priorities and perspectives of young Australians, offering... Read article
Youth in Focus: Navigating wellbeing in a changing world
Youth in Focus: Navigating wellbeing in a changing world, the eleventh report in the BCEC Focus on the States series, provides a comprehensive analysis of the priorities and perspectives of young Australians, offering key insights to shape future policy development.... Read article
Youth in Focus: Navigating wellbeing in a changing world, the eleventh report in the BCEC Focus on the States series, provides a comprehensive analysis of the priorities and perspectives of young Australians, offering key insights to shape future policy development.... Read article
The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre team acknowledges the Wadjuk Nyungar people as the traditional owners of the land on which the Centre is situated.