The clear test for the Albanese Government is to maintain the high number of Australians in work, as revealed in the latest Labour force figures.

The figures saw the unemployment rate remain steady at 3.4 per cent, a result of policies put in the place by the former Coalition Government, which grew the economy and helped jobs to be created.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said today’s figures come on a day that Labor has rammed yet another appalling piece of legislation through the Parliament that will cost jobs and provide uncertainty for businesses.

Senator Cash said: “The biggest risk to this ongoing low number of unemployed Australians is the Albanese Government.”

Mr Taylor said: “Just as Labor’s toxic IR Bill is bound to kill jobs, so too will it’s diabolical energy deal.”

“This is yet another piece of shambolic legislation dumped on the Coalition at five minutes to midnight that will destroy future gas supply and the jobs and businesses that depend on it.

“Labor has struck a sweetheart deal with the Greens and has provided absolutely no detail on how much it will add to the budget bottom line.

“Now is not the time for reckless spending. A responsible government should be tightening its budget belt to put a lid on inflation so that the Reserve Bank can take a break on raising interest rates.

“It’s becoming clearer by the day that this is a Party which had a plan to get elected but no plan to govern.”

Senator Cash said: “We’ve seen the Albanese Government push through their extreme industrial relations legislation, which is likely to jeopardise these strong employment results in the coming 12 months.’’

“Small business, big business and employer groups around the country have warned that this legislation will result in more strike action, fewer jobs in our economy and that it will not increase wages,’’ Senator Cash said.

“These changes will not encourage employers to hire workers and grow their businesses, but instead return the Australian economy to 1970s style sector wide bargaining,’’ Senator Cash said.

Senator Cash said the Albanese Government’s big industrial relations promise they will be held to account for is their claim that the legislation will increase wages.

“Australian workers will expect pay rises quickly, but that can’t come at the expense of job losses in the economy,’’ she said.

“We know the Albanese Government is planning further changes to the industrial relations framework and they must ensure that nothing they do jeopardises the jobs of Australian workers,’’ Senator Cash said.

“Unfortunately, it is likely planned further changes will harm the economy, decrease job security and threaten the ongoing viability of thousands of businesses across the country,’’ she said.

ENDS