Work force data released today shows Australians continue to work harder than ever but feel like they are going backwards due to the nation’s cost of living crisis.

While the unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7% Australians are struggling with rising prices across the entire economy.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said the strength of the labour market masked the real pain of hardworking Australians.

“Australians are working more hours and taking on additional jobs to pay the bills in Labor’s cost of living crisis,” Mr Taylor said.

“With collapsing labour productivity, a GDP per capita recession and falling real wages Australians are working more for less under this government.

“Official population data released today has shown the only thing propping up the economy is record population growth. If this is the Treasurer’s economic strategy then we have huge problems ahead.”

Shadow Minister for Employment Senator Michaelia Cash said: “My main concern for the economy are the policies that are being pursued by the Albanese Labor Government.’’

“Labor’s radical industrial relations agenda will have a devastating impact on businesses of all sizes in Australia,’’ she said.

“I know that small businesses are very worried about the implications of the latest proposed laws particularly how they might affect casual workers,’’ Senator Cash said.

“Small business is confused by this complex legislation but they do know there will be extreme risks for them,’’ she said.

“This is not how a Government helps the job creators of the nation expand and innovate. This legislation will strangle businesses,’’ Senator Cash said.

“As urged by businesses across the country, the Government should scrap this legislation and go back to the drawing board,’’ she said.

ENDS