Invest
Treasury expects 10% unemployment
Speaking at Parliament House today, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has outlined just how much of a drag COVID-19 could have on the nation’s workforce.
Treasury expects 10% unemployment
Speaking at Parliament House today, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has outlined just how much of a drag COVID-19 could have on the nation’s workforce.
He conceded that “the economic shock facing the global economy from the coronavirus is far more significant than what was seen during the global financial crisis over a decade ago”.
The Treasury’s newest calculations have led it to expect the unemployment rate to rise to 10 per cent in the June quarter, from 5.1 per cent in the most recent data.
He also conceded that the unemployment percentage hike is likely to last as long as health restrictions remain in place.
According to Mr Frydenberg, in the absence of the $130 billion JobKeeper payment, which was approved by Parliament last week, Treasury has also estimated that the unemployment rate would be five percentage points higher – peaking around 15 per cent.
“The JobKeeper package is providing an economic lifeline to millions of Australians,” Mr Frydenberg said.
“At $130 billion, it’s a wage subsidy the size, scale and scope of which Australia has never seen before.”
“The unemployment rise is very concerning, but it’s also a reflection of the economic challenges we face.”
“Our ultimate focus is to keep people working,” the Treasurer acknowledged.
He highlighted that more than 800,000 businesses have already registered for the JobKeeper payment, “which will allow the economy to recover more quickly once we are through to the other side of the crisis”.
More to come.
RELATED ARTICLES
About the author
About the author
Economy
CPI data another piece in RBA's interest rate decision puzzle, says REIA
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that inflation rose 3.4% in the 12 months to February 2024, unchanged from the previous two months, ...Read more
Economy
Including passive job seekers in unemployment measure doesn't impact economic cycle view, study finds
New research from e61 Institute has found that while current unemployment measures may not capture all job seekers, broader definitions that include passive job searchers do not provide better ...Read more
Economy
Survey reveals heightened job security concerns among IT workers in 2024
A recent survey conducted by Authority Hacker has revealed that 89.66% of IT workers in the United States have increased concerns about job loss in 2024. Read more
Economy
Australian founders adapt to the challenging fundraising environment with optimism and strategic shifts
The landscape for start-up funding in Australia has been increasingly challenging, but this has not dampened the spirit of the country's entrepreneurs. Read more
Economy
Signs point to possible US economic 'soft landing' in ClearBridge analysis
The US economy may be steering towards a 'soft landing' despite mixed signals from the stock market, according to a recent analysis by ClearBridge Investments. Read more
Economy
Alternative fund managers predict capital raising surge in 2024
Alternative investment fund managers are predicting a sizable increase in capital raising efforts in 2024, according to a global study by Ocorian, a leading alternative investment fund administratorRead more
Economy
Understanding the economic indicators that affect your earnings
The landscape of personal finance is profoundly influenced by broader economic trends and indicators. Read more
Economy
Navigate market turbulence with expert advice: no crystal ball needed
In an era fraught with investment market uncertainties, from fluctuating interest rates to geopolitical strife, seasoned market experts are guiding investors through the mire, offering sage advice on ...Read more
Economy
CPI data another piece in RBA's interest rate decision puzzle, says REIA
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that inflation rose 3.4% in the 12 months to February 2024, unchanged from the previous two months, ...Read more
Economy
Including passive job seekers in unemployment measure doesn't impact economic cycle view, study finds
New research from e61 Institute has found that while current unemployment measures may not capture all job seekers, broader definitions that include passive job searchers do not provide better ...Read more
Economy
Survey reveals heightened job security concerns among IT workers in 2024
A recent survey conducted by Authority Hacker has revealed that 89.66% of IT workers in the United States have increased concerns about job loss in 2024. Read more
Economy
Australian founders adapt to the challenging fundraising environment with optimism and strategic shifts
The landscape for start-up funding in Australia has been increasingly challenging, but this has not dampened the spirit of the country's entrepreneurs. Read more
Economy
Signs point to possible US economic 'soft landing' in ClearBridge analysis
The US economy may be steering towards a 'soft landing' despite mixed signals from the stock market, according to a recent analysis by ClearBridge Investments. Read more
Economy
Alternative fund managers predict capital raising surge in 2024
Alternative investment fund managers are predicting a sizable increase in capital raising efforts in 2024, according to a global study by Ocorian, a leading alternative investment fund administratorRead more
Economy
Understanding the economic indicators that affect your earnings
The landscape of personal finance is profoundly influenced by broader economic trends and indicators. Read more
Economy
Navigate market turbulence with expert advice: no crystal ball needed
In an era fraught with investment market uncertainties, from fluctuating interest rates to geopolitical strife, seasoned market experts are guiding investors through the mire, offering sage advice on ...Read more
