Australia’s unemployment rate held steady at 4.3% in November, according to data released Thursday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
It marked the fifth time in six months the rate has been at 4.3%, with September’s 4.4% the only exception.
The ABS reported total employment fell by 21,300 between October and November, while the number of unemployed people actively seeking work dropped by 2,100. Full‑time employment declined by 56,500, partially offset by a 35,200 increase in part‑time jobs.
The labor force participation rate slipped to 66.7%, down from 66.9% in October and matching the lowest level since March 2024.
Sean Crick, head of labor statistics at the ABS, said employment growth of 1.3% over the past year lagged behind population growth of 2%.
Total hours worked were unchanged month‑to‑month but rose 1.2% compared with November 2024.