Australia Employment Unexpectedly Falls

Employment in Australia increased by 39,500 to a new record of 14.84 million in August 2026, reversing a marginally revised 15,900 decline in the previous month and easily exceeding market expectations for a 20,000 gain. Part-time employment surged 45,800 to 4.64 million while full-time employment declined by 6,300 to 10.19 million. The employment-to-population ratio edged up to 63.9% from 63.8%, while the participation rate was up to 67.1% from 66.9% in July. Compared with a year earlier, total employment expanded by 238,100, or 1.6%.

Employment in Australia dropped by 15,800 to 14.81 million in July 2026, shifting from an upwardly revised 80,300 jump in the previous month and missing market expectations for a 15,000 gain. It marked the first monthly decline since April, driven by a 32,200 decline in part-time employment to a three-month low of 4.60 million. Meanwhile, full-time employment rose by 16,300 to a new peak of 10.21 million. The employment-to-population ratio fell to 63.9% from 64.1%, marking the first drop in three months. The participation rate slipped to 66.9% from 67.1%. Compared with a year earlier, total employment was up by 191,900, or 1.3%.

Employment in Australia rose by 76,300 to a record high of 14.82 million in June 2026, accelerating sharply from an upwardly revised 43,900 increase in May and easily surpassing market expectations for a 15,000 gain. It marked the strongest monthly job growth since April, driven by a 29,300 increase in full-time employment to 10.17 million and a 47,000 rise in part-time employment to 4.65 million. Reflecting the robust labor market, the employment-to-population ratio climbed to 64.0% from 63.7%, extending gains for a second consecutive month, while the participation rate increased to 67.0% from 66.7%. Compared with a year earlier, total employment was up by 252,000, or 1.7%.