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Newcastle and Lake Macquarie Experience a Jobs Boom with 19,000 New Positions

today6 February 2025

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Employment opportunities in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have surged, with nearly 20,000 new jobs created over the past two and a half years, according to newly released data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The ABS Labour Force figures reveal that since the Albanese Labor Government took office in 2022, the region’s total employment has climbed to 222,400. Among the new positions, 4,900 have been filled by women, reflecting broader workforce shifts.

Nationally, job creation has also been strong, with 444,400 new positions added in 2024 alone—the second-largest annual increase on record. More than two-thirds of these roles were full-time, pointing to increased job security and stability.

The employment growth aligns with efforts to curb inflation, with the government’s workplace reforms—opposed by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton and the Coalition—delivering outcomes such as rising wages, greater worker protections, and improved job security.

Among the key economic gains:

  • Real wages have increased, with the average worker earning an additional $150 per week compared to two years ago.
  • Wages have grown for four consecutive quarters, reversing years of stagnation.
  • Minimum and award wages have been raised, benefiting 2.6 million of Australia’s lowest-paid workers.
  • The gender pay gap has reached its lowest point in history.
  • Stronger rights have been introduced for gig economy workers, truck drivers, and casual employees.
  • The “Same Job, Same Pay” laws now ensure labour hire workers receive fair remuneration.
  • Wage theft has been criminalised, and the Right to Disconnect has been introduced, allowing employees to refuse unpaid overtime.

Federal Member for Shortland, Minister Pat Conroy, said the data showed the government’s economic policies were delivering real results.

“Labor promised to create more jobs, and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered,” Mr Conroy said. “Inflation has more than halved under the Albanese Government, and we’ve overseen the creation of 1.1 million jobs—the most in a single parliamentary term. Real wages are growing again, and while we know many Australians are still doing it tough, nearly 20,000 new jobs in Lake Macquarie and Newcastle is a positive step forward.”

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, said the employment surge was strengthening the local economy.

“This means more Novocastrians are working, which strengthens our community and local businesses,” Ms Claydon said. “Our economic plan is about putting people first—investing in training, skills, infrastructure, and innovation to build a future where good, secure, and well-paid jobs are at the core.”

With job creation reaching record levels and real wages on the rise, the government is pressing ahead with policies aimed at ensuring long-term economic security for Australian workers.

Written by: Newy Staff


Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.