Economy

While many economies are still suffering the effects of the global financial crisis, Western Australia has remained buoyant. Western Australia offers world class infrastructure and a promising economic outlook, creating a dynamic business environment, attracting continued investment and generating positive employment growth.

Western Australia is renowned for its booming mining industry. Much of Western Australia’s economic growth is attributed to the mining industry which is entrenched in the State’s history. Mining News is a reputable resource for the latest Western Australia mining information including projects, jobs, news and trading. 

You can find comprehensive information on Western Australia's economy on the Department of Training and Workforce Development's website. For the latest information available, read the Department's quarterly labour and economic brief on Western Australia. 

Economy and employment

As illustrated below, in 2009 the industry sectors with the greatest employment in Western Australia (four quarter average) included:

• retail trade (134,700, 12% of employment);
• construction (124,100, 11%);
• health care and social services (120,200, 10%);
• manufacturing (98,100, 8%); and
• education and training (88,100, 8%).

Sectors with the lowest industry employment included:

• information, media and telecommunications (15,000, 1.3% of employment);
• electricity, gas and water (15,500, 1.3%);
• rental, hiring and real estate services (19,600, 1.7%); and
• arts and recreation (20,000, 1.7%).