Australia is predominantly a services economy. The largest proportion of businesses and workers in Australia are engaged in the service industries, which also represents the greatest share of GDP.

According to the International Labour Organization, the Australian services sector accounted for around three quarters of national employment in 2007, reflecting Australia’s strength in finance, ICT and business and professional services.

Services make up an even larger slice of the New South Wales economy, with the State’s capital, Sydney, regarded as the centre of the country’s finance and business services. New South Wales also dominates Australia’s services exports, making up 40% of services exports in 2007-2008.

Globally, the diverse and high-value services sector contributes more to economic growth and job creation than any other. As such, the dynamic nature of New South Wales’ services sector places the State in a strong position to further increase global competitiveness and capitalise on emerging opportunities, supported by a diverse, highly skilled and motivated workforce.