The December 2025 Regional Labour Market Index (RLMI) has been significantly upgraded, expanding to 10 indicators with five new measures covering long term income support, job matching efficiency, skill underutilisation, wage outcomes and vacancy pressure. The update makes the RLMI a much more comprehensive tool for assessing regional labour market performance.
The latest results show a continuing clear divide, with almost half of the regional SA4s being rated as below average or poor, and all remote SA4 receiving a poor rating. Meanwhile, nearly three‑quarters of major city regions recorded strong or above‑average labour market conditions.
This release also introduces a combined rating for Northern Australia, recognising the region as a single labour market that operates across state and territory borders. The rating covers Cairns, Central Queensland, Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday, Queensland-Outback, Townsville, WA-Outback (North), Darwin and NT-Outback.
For more insights, read the full results.
