Australians continue to work harder and longer as they battle to keep their heads above water because of the Albanese Government’s never-ending cost of living crisis.

Employment data released today shows the unemployment rate remained steady at 4.1%, but Australians continue to work more hours.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said Labor’s failure to deal with inflation at the source means families are having to make difficult decisions.

“For many Australians the only way they can continue to support their families and pay their mortgage is to take on extra shifts or a second job,” Mr Taylor said.

“This means less time spent with loved ones and more time at work.

“This comes off the back of new data revealing 26,000 new public servants have been added to the payroll since Labor came to government costing taxpayers an extra $5 billion.

“An economy where the jobs market and GDP is entirely propped up by the public sector is not how we should be dealing with the cost of living crisis.

“Labor’s bloated bureaucracy is out of control. Australia needs a strong private sector, not more public servants, because we know that is what drives a healthy economy.”

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Senator Michaelia Cash, said Australians cannot afford life under Labor.

“It is quite obvious in these figures month after month that Australians are having to work harder and harder just to make ends meet,’’ Senator Cash said.

“What we are also seeing is that most of the jobs growth is in the public sector, jobs that are funded by the Government,’’ she said.

“The private sector is struggling to create new jobs, and this is not sustainable,’’ Senator Cash said.

“We are now seeing research from business groups showing that the majority of private sector industries are shedding jobs including in accommodation and hospitality, wholesale trade and transport,’’ she said.

“Small business operators are at their wits end and unfortunately we are seeing more and more of them closing their doors,’’ Senator Cash said.

“The Albanese Government has made life unaffordable for Australians and put extreme pressure on business operators,’’ she said.

“I struggle to find anyone who is better off now than they were when the Albanese Government came to office,’’ Senator Cash said.

ENDS