Real GDP is projected to grow by 1.8% in 2023 and 1.4% in 2024. Tightening financial conditions and a weaker outlook for real incomes will weigh on growth. Labour market pressures will ease, with the unemployment rate rising to 4.6% by the end of 2024. Inflation, which likely peaked in late 2022, is projected to continue declining in 2023 as supply chain and commodity related cost pressures wane.
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Read full country noteThe pandemic recession in 2020 was milder than in most other OECD countries, but recent outbreaks have prompted the country to begin transitioning from a zero tolerance to a containment approach to the virus. As the recovery becomes more firmly entrenched, public policy must focus on setting the conditions for another prolonged period of strong and well-distributed growth in living standards. Recent efforts to reduce regulatory, administrative and financial barriers for young high potential firms should continue. At the same time, the resilience of the economy to future economic shocks can be supported by rethinking institutional frameworks related to fiscal and monetary policy, ensuring the social safety net is adequate and that the financial sector supports household financial resilience.
The pandemic took a particularly heavy toll on young businesses and highlighted existing education inequalities. The recovery brings an opportunity to boost innovation and reallocation, necessary to face the challenges of digitalisation and meet climate change targets in a cost-efficient way. It also provides a chance to boost educational opportunities for disadvantaged students and refocus on improving the living standards of Indigenous communities.
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