Australia Adds 56,300 Jobs in December as Unemployment Rises to 4%

The surge in part-time employment and record participation rate create uncertainty over a potential February interest rate cut.

Australia's unemployment rate increased to 4.0% in December, up from 3.9%, as more people entered the workforce.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a net gain of 56,300 jobs, surpassing market expectations of 15,000.
All job growth in December came from part-time positions, with an increase of 80,000 part-time roles offsetting a loss of 23,700 full-time jobs.
The participation rate reached a record high of 67.1%, reflecting strong workforce engagement despite mixed signals in the labor market.
Analysts suggest the Reserve Bank of Australia may delay a February rate cut, pending upcoming inflation and retail sales data.