WA Economy
While the Western Australian economy has had a sustained period of continuous economic growth, successive governments, policy-makers, businesses and individuals continue to grapple with the policy dilemmas of a changing economic landscape, slow productivity growth, and disruptive technologies.
This research theme aims to provide insights into the changing WA economy, based on the most up-to-date data and independent research, to ensure economic agents can better understand the complexities of the economy, its growth trajectory as well as future growth opportunities and challenges.
The WA Economy research theme also provides a monthly update on WA’s labour market within an Australian context, with our BCEC Monthly Labour Market Updates. A detailed WA economic update is also available through the BCEC Quarterly Economic Commentary. These outputs ensure analysis on critical economic indicators is available on a regular and frequent basis.
Related Projects
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Mental Awareness, Respect and Safety (MARS) Landmark Study
Canning Vale Food Value Add Precinct
Australia’s First Regional Digital Innovation District and City
The role of small businesses in driving WA’s economic recovery post-COVID-19
Westen Australia’s International Education Sector – Performance and Prospects
The impact of Airbnb on WA’s tourism industry
Related Publications
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Almost 90,000 additional jobs generated last month, according to April Labour Force Survey estimates. Female participation rate rebounds 0.5ppt, returns to record high of 63.4 per cent. Real wages up by 0.9 per cent in the year to the March... Read article
A modest rebound in employment after February’s surprise fall in jobs. Unemployment remains low and stable. Global uncertainty adding to likelihood of a May interest rate cut. Labour market steady in pre-election jobs figures The key interest in the labour... Read article
This BCEC Federal Election 2025 Briefing Note assesses trade and US tariffs, including an explanation and learnings for Australia. Through the imposition of trade tariffs, the US administration has fundamentally disrupted the global economic landscape, posing new challenges to economies... 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
— 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
— Participation records keep tumbling as female participation rate jumps 0.5 percentage points to 63.5 per cent. — — Jobs growth solid, unemployment rate up from 4.0 per cent to 4.1 per cent. — — A further interest rate cut... 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.