Two pipeline maintenance workers carry out roadside repairs in Canberra, Australia, Aug. 15, 2025. Australia's unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent in July as female participation in the workforce hit a record high. (Photo by Zhang Na/Xinhua)
CANBERRA, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- Australia's unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent in July as female participation in the workforce hit a record high.
Official monthly figures published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Thursday revealed that the unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in July, down from 4.3 percent in June.
The ABS said that the number of employed Australians increased by 24,500 between June and July, and by 263,700 in the 12 months to July.
It said that the number of Australians employed full-time grew by 60,500 from June to July, which was slightly offset by a 35,900 decline in the number of people employed on a part-time basis.
Female full-time workers grew by 40,000 between June and July, the ABS said, and the female employment-to-population ratio and participation rate reached new record-highs of 60.9 percent and 63.5 percent, respectively.
The total number of hours worked by Australians was 0.3 percent higher in July than in June.
The Reserve Bank of Australia, the country's central bank, said in updated forecasts released on Tuesday that it expects the unemployment rate to stabilize at around 4.3 percent over 2026 and 2027. ■
A man stands in front of an APM office, which provides employment services, disability employment support, and workplace wellness programs, in Canberra, Australia, Aug. 15, 2025. Australia's unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent in July as female participation in the workforce hit a record high. (Photo by Zhang Na/Xinhua)
