... yet some groups are at risk of being left behind
Despite the strength of the Australian economy, some groups of Australians still record low rates of participation or high rates of unemployment.
There are also particular locations with high levels of entrenched disadvantage and unemployment levels well above the national average.
This difference is even being felt within cities, with the unemployment rate in the eastern suburbs of Sydney at 3.3 per cent, while in south western Sydney the unemployment rate is at 7.1 per cent.
There has never been a better time to enter the workforce
Our economic strength provides a unique opportunity for more people to engage in the workforce and ensure that the benefits of work and economic prosperity are shared by all. Providing opportunities for disadvantaged groups to train and work improves their career prospects and is a pathway to better life outcomes.
Young people
There are 320,000 young people who are not in education, employment or training.
Ensuring young people finish school and make the transition into further study or employment is important to ensure they get off to the right start and prevents them from falling into a cycle of disadvantage.
Single parents
The employment rate of single mothers whose youngest child is aged 5 to 9 years is 59.8 per cent compared with 71.4 per cent for partnered mothers.
Parents with school‑age children should be supported to work to increase income and community engagement, and as it improves outcomes for their children.
People with disability
There are around 130,000 people under the age of 35 on the Disability Support Pension, more than half of whom have some capacity to contribute.
Many people with disability want to work if they can but they may need extra support.
The very long‑term unemployed
There are around 230,000 people who have been on income support and registered with employment services for two years or more.
Prolonged unemployment increases the difficulty of finding work. Very long‑term income support recipients are unlikely to find employment without intensive and targeted assistance.
Areas of entrenched disadvantage
Chronic and concentrated labour market disadvantage persists in some locations. These add to patchwork economy pressures, preventing some Australians from benefiting from the growing economy and opportunities provided by work.