A 'Sunbelt' Labour Market in Australia: The Sunshine Coast, 1996-2001. Working Paper No. 01/07

This paper explores the principal characteristics of a 'sunbelt' labour market as a particular type. While there are advantages of this and similar regions where these have developed in attracting population growth, the labour market in this case exhibits relatively high rates of unemployment, part-time employment and low rates of labour force participation. Demographic changes and industry and occupational structure appear to interact with relatively low labour market clearance. The findings are consistent with building a profile of different types of labour markets and point to the need for more directed policies to minimise unemployment.