Australians are taking on extra work in an attempt to make ends meet as a result of the Albanese Labor Government’s cost of living crisis.
Employment data released today shows the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%, but more hours are being worked by those with jobs.
There was also a large increase in the number of part time jobs, often sought by people looking to supplement their income with extra work.
Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said Australians are struggling to keep up with Labor’s cost of living crisis.
“Australians are working harder than ever, and yet we’re in an entrenched household recession and a collapse in living standards. This is a diabolical situation.
“Labor only has itself to blame. For the last two and a half years, the Albanese Labor Government has been distracted, with the wrong priorities and completely out of touch.
“While families are doing everything they can to make ends meet, including working longer hours and multiple jobs, they are faced with a government that thinks it can spin and spend its way out of the cost of living crisis.”
Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator Michaelia Cash said there has been a recent strong trend of jobs growth in the public sector.
“The private sector is growing at a much slower rate than the public sector. This is not sustainable,” Senator Cash said.
“The Albanese Government is all about increasing the size of the public sector, whilst attacking the private sector with red tape and uncertainty,” she said.
“We know that Australians are doing anything they can just to keep their heads above water but the cost of everything just keeps going up,’’ Senator Cash said.
“Small business operators keep telling us they are under extreme pressure, wrapped up in red tape and uncertainty due to the Albanese Government’s industrial relations changes,’’ she said.
“The Albanese Government has no answers for the cost of living crisis and their policies just make things worse,’’ Senator Cash said.