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Labour Market Models of Unemployment in Australia

Author

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  • Jeff Borland

    (Department of Economics, The University of Melbourne)

  • Ian McDonald

    (Department of Economics, The University of Melbourne)

Abstract

This paper reviews evidence on the equilibrium rate of unemployment and on causes of unemployment in Australia from empirical modelling of labour market outcomes. Three main types of models are reviewed - Phillips curve models; Multi-equation models; and Beveridge curve models. The paper begins with a simple review of labour market theory in order to provide some motivation for the empirical approaches that are examined. In the main part of the paper the three modelling approaches are reviewed. For each model the estimation methodology is described, main results on causes of unemployment from that approach are summarised, and an evaluation of the model is made.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeff Borland & Ian McDonald, 2000. "Labour Market Models of Unemployment in Australia," Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series wp2000n15, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne.
  • Handle: RePEc:iae:iaewps:wp2000n15
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    File URL: http://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/downloads/working_paper_series/wp2000n15.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    Cited by:

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    3. John Freebairn & Peter Dawkins, 2003. "Unemployment Policy: Lessons from Economic Analysis," Melbourne Institute Working Paper Series wp2003n22, Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne.

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