Jobs figures released today are little consolation to Australians still in the grip of a crippling cost of living crisis.

Despite the unemployment rate falling to 3.7% for February 2024, Australians are still grappling with increasing costs across the board, especially with rents, power prices and grocery bills skyrocketing.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said jobs were the only thing keeping Australians’ heads above water in a cost-of-living crisis.

“Australians’ living standards are collapsing under Labor. Australia is experiencing a GDP per capita recession and a consumer confidence recession. The only thing left driving the economy is immigration.”

“As the RBA has recognised, hardworking Australians are facing a highly uncertain economic future. Labor’s failures on workplace relations, energy, housing and tax are driving up the cost of living for all Australians.”

“Australians are working harder, for less, under Labor,” he said.

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Senator Michaelia Cash said:

“We always welcome lower unemployment rates and more jobs. The Coalition has a very strong record in job creation from our time in Government,” Senator Cash said.

“Unfortunately, Australians are still dealing with a cost-of-living crisis under Prime Minister Albanese. Almost 1 million Australians are now working second or third jobs. Since the election, the number of multiple job holders has increased by more than 100,000 people,’’she said.

“Concerningly, youth unemployment is now at 9.3 percent, which is higher than when the Coalition left office. The Albanese Government has no plan to get young Australians into jobs,” said Senator Cash.

ENDS