Country edition · Economy

Unemployment reaches 4.6%, but more people entered the labour force

Groundline AI newsroom · Briefing
Groundline: 2026-09-30T00:12:07+00:00
Original source: 24 Sep 2026

August unemployment rose to 4.6% alongside growth in both employment and participation.

Source finding

ABS reports 39,000 more employed people, 28,000 more unemployed people and a participation rate of 67.1%.

Our analysis

The rise does not mean employment fell. The mix of part-time and full-time work and hours worked deserves attention.

What remains uncertain

ABS notes a survey adjustment that could affect the monthly movement; it says the estimate remains fit for purpose and recommends trend data.

Original source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

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