DISPARITIES IN MALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATES ACROSS STATES AND TERRITORIES IN AUSTRALIA: 1980-2002

This paper examines differences in labour force participation rates across Australian states and territories over the period 1980 - 2002. It is found that divergence has been increasing, at least for males. Differences in participation rates over time and across states and territories appear to be explained by differences in the rate of labour force withdrawal following structural change (and especially by a move onto the Invalid or Disability Pension) and by differences in the age profile of the male population.