Tasmania is experiencing a unique problem in its labor market as it enters 2023. Despite having a record low unemployment rate of 4%, the second highest in the country, the state is struggling to fill job vacancies.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that a record high 290,000 Tasmanians are employed, with the state achieving its highest ever participation rate of 62.9%.
There are 10,885 more people employed in the state compared to last year. Industry leaders attribute the issue to a lack of jobseekers and point out that it is a double-edged sword.
The Tasmanian Hospitality Association (THA) has launched a campaign called “More Than Welcome” to encourage people to take up employment opportunities in the industry.
THA CEO Steve Old stated that there are “plenty” of jobs available for people of all ages.
The state government say they are working on initiatives such as the TasTAFE reforms and the high-vis army to address projected workforce needs.
