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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Unpacking the role of the resources sector in harnessing and developing Australia’s STEM capability
Family influence on volunteering participation in Western Australia
The costs and benefits of implementing a universal reproductive health leave entitlement in Australia
WA Women’s Report Card 2022
Indigenous Employment Index
WA Women’s Report Card 2019
Related Publications
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BCEC Monthly Labour Market Update – July 2026
National unemployment rate essentially unchanged, but rounding pushes the headline figure up from 4.4 per cent to 4.5 per cent. Modest decline in employment marks a solid outcome given the surge in jobs in previous month’s figures. Results impacted by... Read article
National unemployment rate essentially unchanged, but rounding pushes the headline figure up from 4.4 per cent to 4.5 per cent. Modest decline in employment marks a solid outcome given the surge in jobs in previous month’s figures. Results impacted by... Read article
Cross-Country Analysis of Labor Markets during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The authors study employment outcomes during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic across eight countries exhibiting different case levels and policy responses: the United States, Australia, France, Denmark, Italy, South Korea, Spain, and Sweden. While the proportion of people... Read article
The authors study employment outcomes during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic across eight countries exhibiting different case levels and policy responses: the United States, Australia, France, Denmark, Italy, South Korea, Spain, and Sweden. While the proportion of people... Read article
BCEC Monthly Labour Market Update – June 2026
Surprise jump in employment keeps pressure on interest rates. Unemployment rate holds steady at 4.4 per cent. Participation up and workers seeking more hours in response to rising living costs. Strong jobs growth casts doubt over labour market softening A... Read article
Surprise jump in employment keeps pressure on interest rates. Unemployment rate holds steady at 4.4 per cent. Participation up and workers seeking more hours in response to rising living costs. Strong jobs growth casts doubt over labour market softening A... Read article
Family Influence on Volunteering Participation in Australia
This report examines the landscape of volunteering in Australia, with a particular focus on Western Australia. It explores the intergenerational transmission of volunteering activities and the socioeconomic drivers that influence volunteering activities at the extensive and intensive margins. Utilising data... Read article
This report examines the landscape of volunteering in Australia, with a particular focus on Western Australia. It explores the intergenerational transmission of volunteering activities and the socioeconomic drivers that influence volunteering activities at the extensive and intensive margins. Utilising data... Read article
BCEC Monthly Labour Market Update – May 2026
National unemployment rate edges back down from 4.5 to 4.4 per cent. Solid jobs growth, all in the form of higher female part-time employment. Inflation remains stubbornly above the Reserve Bank’s comfort zone. A waiting game on interest rates After... Read article
National unemployment rate edges back down from 4.5 to 4.4 per cent. Solid jobs growth, all in the form of higher female part-time employment. Inflation remains stubbornly above the Reserve Bank’s comfort zone. A waiting game on interest rates After... Read article
BCEC Monthly Labour Market Update – April 2026
Unemployment rate rises from 4.3 per cent to 4.5 per cent in April. Employment down by 18,600, with women bearing the brunt of job losses. The rise in unemployment may buy some time on another interest rate rise, but the... Read article
Unemployment rate rises from 4.3 per cent to 4.5 per cent in April. Employment down by 18,600, with women bearing the brunt of job losses. The rise in unemployment may buy some time on another interest rate rise, but the... 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.