STATES TREND ESTIMATES


UNEMPLOYMENT RATE


NEW SOUTH WALES

The trend estimate of the unemployment rate for New South Wales generally fell from 7.2% in February 1998 to 5.2% in August 2000. After rising to 6.3% in October 2001, the trend rate has generally fallen to stand at 4.4% in February 2008.

VICTORIA

The trend estimate of the unemployment rate for Victoria generally fell from 8.1% in February 1998 to 5.8% in October 2000. The trend then rose to 6.6% in November 2001, before generally falling to stand at 4.4% in February 2008.

QUEENSLAND

The trend estimate of the unemployment rate for Queensland generally fell from 8.4% in February 1998 to 7.3% in July 2000. After rising to 8.6% in April 2001, the trend rate has generally fallen to stand at 3.5% in February 2008.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The trend estimate of the unemployment rate for South Australia rose from 9.6% in February 1998 to 9.8% in July 1998. Apart from small rises in 2001, 2004 and early 2007, the trend rate has generally fallen to stand at 4.6% in February 2008.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

The trend estimate of the unemployment rate for Western Australia generally fell from 6.8% in February 1998 to 5.8% in August 2000. The trend then rose sharply to 7.5% in June 2001, before generally falling to 3.0% in February 2007. The trend rate has since risen slightly to stand at 3.1% in February 2008.

TASMANIA

The trend estimate of the unemployment rate for Tasmania generally fell from 10.4% in February 1998 to 8.6% in September 1999. The trend then remained relatively steady, standing at 8.9% in March 2003. Apart from a rise in late 2005, the trend rate generally fell to stand at 5.0% in June 2007. The trend rate has since risen slightly to stand at 5.1% in February 2008.