The ACT Government will set a new jobs target to grow the local labour market to 300,000 jobs in the Territory by 2030 as the economy recovers strongly from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced today.

Around 265,000 people were employed in the ACT, according to June 2023 ABS data. 

“With the post-COVID recovery well underway, the ACT Government will now focus on the growth and diversification of our local jobs market by supporting the creation of tens of thousands of new jobs over the coming years,” Mr Barr said.

“There will be new jobs in our local construction industry, with more housing and more public infrastructure in the Territory’s forward Budget estimates. The recently announced ‘National Capital Investment Framework’ with the Commonwealth Government will also boost our local infrastructure market.

“Tourism, hospitality, and higher education are three major employers in the Territory, and the Government is continuing to partner with these sectors to support their continued growth.

“The ACT public service is also set to grow. We are hiring more nurses and health professionals for our new and expanded hospitals, and we will hire more teachers for our new schools.

“The diversification of our local jobs market is leading to a more sustainable Territory budget. Revenue from payroll tax now surpasses general rates as the Territory’s highest area of own source revenue at 30.6 per cent.  The Government’s budget position improved by more than $400 million over four years in the 2023-24 Budget.

“Progressive tax reform will continue to ensure our budget remains sustainable and helps to meet the needs of a growing population, requiring more essential community services.”