Invest
Economic recovery ‘well underway’ as 2m Aussies drop off JobKeeper
More than 2 million Australians have left the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme, which the government pointed out as a sign that the economic recovery is well underway.
Economic recovery ‘well underway’ as 2m Aussies drop off JobKeeper
More than 2 million Australians have left the JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme, which the government pointed out as a sign that the economic recovery is well underway.
The number of JobKeeper recipients has fallen from 3.6 million to 1.5 million in less than two months, outperforming predictions in the federal budget.
“These latest JobKeeper numbers are very encouraging,” Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said to the media.
“Australia is certainly performing far better than so many other nations around the world both on the health front and also on the economic front.”
However, the Morrison government has tightened eligibility and reduced the payment rate over the last quarter.
The JobKeeper wage subsidy fell from $1,500 to $1,200 a fortnight at the end of September and is due to fall to $1,000 from January to March, when the scheme is scheduled to end.
Despite trending in the right direction, the Treasurer said “that the road ahead will be hard, it will be bumpy, it will be long”.
“There will be some businesses that don’t make it and some jobs that cannot be saved. But it’s our analysis the unemployment rate will come down next year and the year ahead even after JobKeeper comes off at the end of March,” he said.
The Treasurer also pointed out the current trade issues with China are hurting both countries’ recovery.
“This is a challenging time, with Australia’s largest trading partner in China. But it is a mutually beneficial relationship. China benefits greatly from Australia’s iron ore, which underpins its economic growth.”
“So, we will obviously work through these issues,” Mr Frydenberg concluded.
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Economy
RBA's hawkish stance reflects inflation concerns, State Street economist comments
In a recent statement, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has signaled a hawkish stance on interest rates, drawing insights from financial experts about the implications for Australia's economic ...Read more
Economy
Navigating the inflation maze: How CFOs can outsmart economic hurdles in Australia
Fresh inflation data have cooled expectations of near-term rate cuts in Australia, intensifying pressure on margins, capital allocation and demand. Rather than wait for monetary relief that may not ...Read more
Economy
Inflation concerns rise as Australia's CPI climbs to 3.8% in October
Australia's latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures have sent ripples through the economy, with headline inflation accelerating to 3.8% year-on-year in October, up from 3.6% in September. The data, ...Read more
Economy
October CPI results pose challenges for RBA’s monetary policy stance
In a surprising turn of events, the October Consumer Price Index (CPI) data has raised eyebrows among economists and market strategists, revealing stronger-than-expected inflationary pressures in ...Read more
Economy
Global deal activity declines by 6% amid economic uncertainty, reports GlobalData
In a year characterised by economic turbulence and evolving market conditions, global deal activity has witnessed a notable downturn during the first ten months of 2025. According to GlobalData, a ...Read more
Economy
Australia’s softening labour market puts another RBA cut in play — here’s what business should do now
A four-year high in unemployment has revived expectations the Reserve Bank could deliver another rate cut as soon as November. With quarterly GDP growth running at 0.6 per cent and annual growth at ...Read more
Economy
Rising CPI reinforces RBA’s stance as rate cut expectations remain: State Street
State Street Global Advisors says the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is likely to hold its current policy outlook following the release of September quarter inflation data, which showed an unexpected ...Read more
Economy
NSW SES boosts tsunami preparedness ahead of World Tsunami Awareness Day
As World Tsunami Awareness Day approaches on 5 November, the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is ramping up efforts to enhance tsunami preparedness along the east coastRead more
Economy
RBA's hawkish stance reflects inflation concerns, State Street economist comments
In a recent statement, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has signaled a hawkish stance on interest rates, drawing insights from financial experts about the implications for Australia's economic ...Read more
Economy
Navigating the inflation maze: How CFOs can outsmart economic hurdles in Australia
Fresh inflation data have cooled expectations of near-term rate cuts in Australia, intensifying pressure on margins, capital allocation and demand. Rather than wait for monetary relief that may not ...Read more
Economy
Inflation concerns rise as Australia's CPI climbs to 3.8% in October
Australia's latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures have sent ripples through the economy, with headline inflation accelerating to 3.8% year-on-year in October, up from 3.6% in September. The data, ...Read more
Economy
October CPI results pose challenges for RBA’s monetary policy stance
In a surprising turn of events, the October Consumer Price Index (CPI) data has raised eyebrows among economists and market strategists, revealing stronger-than-expected inflationary pressures in ...Read more
Economy
Global deal activity declines by 6% amid economic uncertainty, reports GlobalData
In a year characterised by economic turbulence and evolving market conditions, global deal activity has witnessed a notable downturn during the first ten months of 2025. According to GlobalData, a ...Read more
Economy
Australia’s softening labour market puts another RBA cut in play — here’s what business should do now
A four-year high in unemployment has revived expectations the Reserve Bank could deliver another rate cut as soon as November. With quarterly GDP growth running at 0.6 per cent and annual growth at ...Read more
Economy
Rising CPI reinforces RBA’s stance as rate cut expectations remain: State Street
State Street Global Advisors says the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is likely to hold its current policy outlook following the release of September quarter inflation data, which showed an unexpected ...Read more
Economy
NSW SES boosts tsunami preparedness ahead of World Tsunami Awareness Day
As World Tsunami Awareness Day approaches on 5 November, the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) is ramping up efforts to enhance tsunami preparedness along the east coastRead more
