Today's Labour Force data tells Australians what they already know: they are working harder for less.
Hours worked are at a new record high but Australian's continuing to go backwards and struggle to make ends meet.
While the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.3 per cent in March, more than 100,000 additional Australians are unemployed than when the Coalition left office.
The Labor Government has deliberately left Australians exposed, and things are only going to get worse from here.
As surveyed by Westpac, job loss expectations have hit a decade high (outside of the pandemic) with pronounced fears amongst those exposed to the energy and interest rate shock, particularly construction and hospitality.
The IMF this week sounded a clear warning when they slashed Australia's growth forecasts and outlined their expectation for Australia to continue to have inflation higher than any major advanced economy this year and next.
Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Senator Jane Hume said Labor has left Australia exposed in these uncertain times.
"Labor's reckless spending has left our economy vulnerable, and Australians are paying the price.
"Under Labor, Australian families and small businesses are worse off, and the economic buffers we rely on have been completely eroded.
"And now, as the shock hits, Australians are seeing that Labor simply isn't up to the task.
"We have yet to see the full consequences of this shock, but it's clear this Albanese Government lacks the mettle to steer the economy through tough times," Senator Hume said.
Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson said "Today's employment data shows the result of three years of debt-fueled spending that has crowded out private jobs, kept inflation high and left households and small businesses picking up the bill, absorbing the consequences.
"Jim Chalmers can spin all he wants; he cannot spin that Australians are already living with high interest rates.
"Under the economy Labor built Australians are worried about their job and affording the bills even if they keep their jobs.
"Australians know what Labor's economic agenda has cost them and today's data is just the latest confirmation."
