SA's unemployment rate at 7.3 per cent

The SA government is disappointed at the state's 7.3 per cent unemployment rate, as the national rate rose to 6.4 per cent.

The South Australian government says the state's unemployment rate of 7.3 per cent, up from 6.6 per cent, is disappointing and concerning.

Australia's unemployment rate rose to 6.4 per cent in January from 6.1 per cent in December, a result worse than market expectations.

South Australia's employment minister Gail Gago says the figures are concerning and show the importance of the government's agenda to grow jobs.

"While today's results are disappointing, it is important to remember that these numbers are extremely volatile and have the potential to fluctuate every month," she said in a statement.

She noted that over the last year, 1800 more people were in employment in the state compared with the same time the previous year and full-time employment increased by about 6500.

"In the last week, the government has announced key initiatives that could support the creation of future jobs, including a royal commission into the nuclear industry, changing the state's time zone and state taxation reform," she said.

"Last month, we announced a $10 million investment in a new research partnership with Oz minerals, sending a clear message to resource and energy companies that SA wants to be the nation's resources hub."

Opposition spokesman David Pisoni said SA had the worst unemployment figures in the nation and the government was "clueless" on how to address the economic rut.


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Source: AAP


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