Australia's Unemployment Rate Holds at 4.1% Despite Job Losses

February 2025 saw a decline of 53,000 jobs and a drop in labor force participation, reflecting demographic shifts and seasonal factors.

The unemployment rate in Australia remained steady at 4.1% in February 2025, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
Employment fell by 53,000 jobs, while the labor force participation rate dropped to 66.8% from January's record high of 67.3%.
The decline in employment was partly attributed to fewer older workers returning to the workforce, while employment growth continued for those aged 15 to 54 over the year.
Economists highlighted potential seasonal adjustment issues and lingering pandemic-related effects influencing the February data.
The Reserve Bank of Australia forecasts the unemployment rate to average 4.2% by mid-2025, signaling a stable labor market outlook.