Spotlight on unemployment as jobs market loses heat
Jobs data is set to dominate the economic agenda in Australia, while onlookers expect the Federal Reserve to keep US interest rates on hold.
labour
Estimated thousands trapped in Australian farm slavery
The fruit, vegetables and meat in Australian's fridges are often picked or processed by migrant workers, who are highly vulnerable to modern slavery.
Supermarket giant acts on ‘appalling’ worker conditions
Migrant workers fear deportation if they speak up about their poor workplace, with Woolworths uncovering 'unliveable' housing conditions in its supply chain.
Call for adult wages for youth in retail, fast food
A union is demanding the federal government implement adult wages for young workers in retail, fast food and pharmacy jobs.
Mortgage relief could be limited as jobs market expands
An unexpected jump in employment has led the money market to pare back its hopes for further mortgage relief after a widely expected rate cut next week.
Dutton flips on work-from-home ban to salvage support
Peter Dutton has conceded plans to stop public servants from working at home were a mistake and ditched the proposal as he tries to regain lost ground.
Butchers, bakers and makers better off in the bush
Nearly 100 jobs pay better in country Australia, with 67,000 roles available outside the cities, according to new research encouraging workers to make the move.
US officials tells workers they can ignore Musk’s email
Elon Musk's has doubled down on demands US federal employees explain their recent accomplishments or risk getting fired.
Dutton accuses PM of peddling ‘dirt’ on share purchases
Attempts to use Peter Dutton's decades-old financial records against him reflect poorly on the federal government, the opposition leader says.
Robust job data unlikely to spook Reserve Bank on rates
Ongoing tightness in the labour market won't overly concern the Reserve Bank in its fight against inflation, says one economist after surprising jobs figures.
Taxpayers to the rescue of Aussie steel
Safeguarding sovereign steel production is a key factor in a $2.4 billion government package to keep a major steelworks running while a new owner is found.
Australia rejects ‘killing’ the US aluminium market
Australia has denied exploiting tariff exemptions granted by the first Trump administration despite claims aluminium sales have been "killing" the US market.
Home construction rises but target remains out of reach
High costs, labour shortages and low productivity are limiting the sector's ability to build new homes as construction activity remains below required levels.
Strong jobs growth data deflates February rate cut hope
A very healthy jobs market is not adding to the case for a February interest rate cut, with all eyes turning to inflation data due in coming weeks.
Why the RBA should rethink key inflation assumption
The strength of Australia's labour market has kept the Reserve Bank from cutting interest rates but growing evidence suggests it's not as crucial as thought.
Australia’s bullet-proof jobs market put to the test
Even with restrictive interest rate settings and inflation battering the economy, Australia's labour market has proved surprisingly resilient.
Consumer confidence starts year with a bang
Consumer confidence has bounced higher and is expected to keep improving as rising real wages and rate cuts support household incomes.
Borrowing blowout tipped in mid-year budget update
The federal government is expected to reveal a downgrade to its budget forecasts in its mid-year fiscal update as Australia's tax sugar-rush fades.
Early rates cut all but dashed as unemployment dips
Australia's unemployment rate has unexpectedly fallen to 3.9 per cent, bolstering the argument for the Reserve Bank of Australia to keep rates on hold.
Warnings of blackouts as rural workers go on strike
Electricity workers are preparing to walk off the job as a pay dispute, simmers, with regional residents warned of potential blackouts at the start of summer.
Pay gap narrows but leadership roles a drag on progress
Naming and shaming company gender pay gaps appears to be working, with a flurry of employers commissioning probes into the issue and taking action.
CFMEU members urged to anonymously reveal experiences
Disgruntled construction union members can now anonymously reveal their experiences of unlawful conduct as a corruption investigation continues.
Big police pay rise sparks ructions in other wage deals
Police and nurses point to a big pay increase for officers in one jurisdiction while threatening strike action as their wage negotiations deteriorate.
Labour hire workers in line for boost to wages
New laws requiring labour-hire workers to be paid the same as other employees have come into effect.
Strong labour force report dims rate cut prospects
Interest rates are unlikely to fall soon after new data showed workers are being onboarded by employers in huge numbers, reflecting a resilient jobs market.
Healthy jobs numbers to keep RBA on the sidelines
Australia's economy may be limping along but jobs are still going, although mostly part-time gigs and predominantly roles in the public sector.
Harris slams Trump’s promise of mass deportations
Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has criticised Donald Trump's promise to deport millions of people who are in the United States illegally.
Early childhood education faces ‘workforce crisis’
Demand for early childhood education is soaring as the population grows but the sector is bleeding workers.
Economic lifeline for energy workers as plants close
Workers at coal and gas-fired power plants that are set for closure will be offered a raft of support including paid retraining and redeployment under new laws.
Mixed jobs data gives RBA more food for thought
Record jobs participation will keep the Reserve Bank wary of cutting rates, despite unemployment rising in July to the highest level since November 2021.
Reproductive leave push to end ‘culture of silence’
Paid leave entitlements for menopause and fertility issues would boost female workforce participation and prevent early retirements, unions say.