Queensland's high unemployment rate and low population growth are causing its economy to lag behind other states, a new report shows.
The Sunshine State is stuck in fifth position in the latest CommSec State of the States report, which measures economic performance by analysing eight key indicators.
The report shows Queensland leads the nation when it comes to overall construction, but lags on employment, with the fastest growing joblessness behind WA.
Population growth has also slowed, which is constraining growth in home building.
However Queensland treasurer Curtis Pitt said the Deloitte Access Economics Business Outlook report for the March quarter predicted the state's economic growth would rise from 3.6 per cent to 4.3 per cent in the next year.
He blamed the previous LNP government for the economic challenges facing Queensland, and said Labor was working hard to improve the high jobless rate.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there was room for improvement.
"Well, we need to do better," she said.
But Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland had "come out on top" following COAG negotiations in Canberra on Friday, securing $556 million of the GST share.
"I believe that this is a huge win and we know that money can be used to help kick-start our economy and delivering services for Queenslanders," she said.
Shadow Treasurer John-Paul Langbroek said the report highlighted the government's need to spell out its economic growth plans.
"It's vital the government outlines its plans to help stimulate confidence," he said.
"Simply praying for jobs growth isn't enough."
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