Today's Labour Force data shows what Australians already know - they are working harder but going backwards.
The unemployment rate rose to 4.3 per cent in February, with more than 100,000 additional Australians unemployed than when the Coalition left office.
This is on top of last week's data confirming Labor's cost of living crisis is forcing more Australians into taking on multiple jobs just to get by.
Almost 1 million Australians are working multiple jobs, including record levels of women and younger Australians (under 35 years old).
Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Senator Jane Hume said Australians are working harder than ever under Labor, but are only going backwards.
"Australians in jobs is a good thing but they shouldn't be forced to take on multiple jobs and to work more hours just to make ends meet. That's exactly what's happening under this Labor Government.
"More Australians juggling two or even three jobs is a clear sign that household budgets are under real strain, driven by Labor's homegrown inflation and falling real wages.
"More Australians are delaying retirement just to get by.
"This is Labor's record: higher costs, lower living standards, and Australians working harder for less. Australians want to work to get ahead, not be forced to work harder just to stay afloat."
Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson MP said this data is yet another reminder that Labor's economic agenda is hurting Australians.
"Australians are living the consequences of Labor's reckless debt-fuelled spending - they are working harder, retirees are going back to work, wages are going backwards and their pressure on interest rates is driving up prices at the supermarket.
"Labor is cooking the books to cover the situation that our country faces, and the reality is their spending is fuelling inflation and putting pressure on households.
"The public sector is crowding out the private sector, and that's dragging down standards of living and opportunity for the next generation.
"If only Australians can pay their mortgage with Jim Chalmers' excuses and spin - but instead Australians are living the consequences of Labor's excuses and spin and it is through declining standards of living".
