Australia's average unemployment rate at 50-year year low: report
Australia's unemployment rate stayed at 4.1% in February 2025 as a new report announced that the country is seeing the lowest average jobless rate in more than 50 years.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that employment fell by 53,000 people in February, while the number of unemployed individuals dropped by 11,000 people.
Bjorn Jarvis, ABS head of labour statistics, added that fewer older workers returning to work in February contributed to the drop in employment during the month.
"This follows higher levels of employment in these age groups in recent years, particularly in 2024, alongside growth in the employment-to-population ratio over the last few years," Jarvis said in a statement.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
On the other hand, employment among workers aged between 15 and 54 has gone up over the year.
The findings come as a recent report from Jobs and Skills Australia revealed that employers are wary of hiring young jobseekers due to lack of experience and qualifications or skills.
In February 2025, the youth unemployment rate remained at nine per cent in trend terms, according to the ABS.
South Australia said the drop in their unemployment rate is a "fantastic result."
"SA's labour force continues to exhibit strength in the face of national economic headwinds," said SA Treasurer Stephen Mullighan in a statement.
"A near record low unemployment rate is a sign that South Australians have confidence in the direction our state’s economy is heading."
Tasmania Treasurer Guy Barnett also celebrated their state's four per cent unemployment rate, which has been maintained for two months in a row.
According to Barnett, this is supported by their increase in State Final Demand, business confidence, and retail trade.
"We're on the right track and through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future we're going to continue to deliver great outcomes for Tasmanians," the state treasurer said.
Australia's latest jobless rate data comes as a new report from the McKell Institute revealed the Albanese Labour Government has one of the lowest average unemployment rates of any government in the country.
It reported that the unemployment rate under the Labor Government averaged 3.8% over its first term, the lowest since the Whitlam administration back in 1972.
Source: The McKell Institute
According to the report, the low unemployment record also extends to women, young Australians, individuals with less education, and Indigenous Australians.
Participation rate is also now at its highest since the record began, while underutilisation is at sustained record lows since data collection in 2015.
"This report paints a clear picture: unemployment is at historic lows, more Australians – including women, young people, and those without formal qualifications – are finding secure work, and jobseekers are landing roles faster than ever," said Andrew Leigh, assistant minister for employment, in a statement.
"Participation is rising, underemployment is falling, and workers have greater power to move on their own terms. These numbers reflect a labour market that is stronger, fairer, and more dynamic than we’ve seen in a generation."
