Half of new 2024 jobs were public sector: ABS

Public sector jobs growth outpaces private sector for first time in a decade

The public sector accounted for half of all new jobs created in 2024, the first time it has outpaced the private sector in a decade, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The ABS data shows that there were 287,100 new jobs created in Australia in 2024, with 143,500 of those in the public sector.

This is a significant increase from the previous year, when the public sector accounted for just 38% of new jobs.

What is driving the growth in public sector jobs?

There are a number of factors that are driving the growth in public sector jobs.

One factor is the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has invested heavily in public health, education, and other essential services in order to support the economy and protect the community.

Another factor is the government's commitment to creating jobs and boosting the economy. The government has introduced a number of policies and programs to support businesses and create jobs, including the JobKeeper program and the HomeBuilder program.

What are the implications of the growth in public sector jobs?

The growth in public sector jobs has a number of implications for the Australian economy.

One implication is that it will help to boost economic growth. Public sector jobs are typically well-paid and secure, which means that they will provide a boost to consumer spending and investment.

Another implication is that it will help to reduce unemployment. The government's investment in public sector jobs will help to create jobs for people who have been unemployed or underemployed.