This feature article from the Australian Bureau of Statistics examines changes in the size and composition of the labour force in Western Australia and identifies factors that have contributed to those changes. It also explores changes in the geographic distribution of the state's labour force. The labour force in Western Australia has undergone considerable change over the past 20 years. Growth in the labour force has been influenced by factors such as population growth, labour force participation and economic growth. Trends such as greater participation by women, rising part-time employment, increasing casualisation and an ageing population have led to marked changes in the composition of the state's labour force. More recently, robust economic growth has stimulated activity in Western Australia's housing and labour markets. This increased activity, coupled with the current resources boom, has led to a strong demand for labour. The impact this has had on the labour force can be seen in recent movements of labour force indicators, most of which are currently at record highs or lows. This feature article from the Australian Bureau of Statistics examines changes in the size and composition of the labour force in Western Australia and identifies factors that have contributed to those changes. It also explores changes in the geographic distribution of the state's labour force.