Australia’s unemployment rate rose to its highest level since 2021 in April, according to official data, signalling a cooling labour market. The jobless rate increased as employment growth slowed and fewer new jobs were added compared to previous months.
Analysts said the rise reflects weaker hiring momentum across several sectors, even though the overall economy remains stable.
The data suggests that employers are becoming more cautious amid global economic uncertainty and higher interest rates. Despite the uptick in unemployment, participation in the labour force remained steady, indicating continued interest in jobs among workers across the country.