Australia's rising unemployment rate is alarming and placing thousands more households into financial stress, said the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS).
"Between August and September a further 34,000 people have become unemployed," said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.
"This means more people will be forced to rely on the $401 per week Jobseeker Payment, which is well below the poverty line."
Since the RBA began increasing rates in September 2022, 174,000 more people have become unemployed. There are now two people unemployed for every job vacancy.
"Keeping interest rates high is hammering jobs and livelihoods," said Dr Goldie.
"The greatest risk to the economy now is not a resurgence in inflation but the further loss of jobs and incomes. Urgent rate cuts are essential to support job creation and prevent further rises in unemployment."
ACOSS is also calling for direct government action to lift incomes and living standards.
"The government must step up with targeted support for those doing it toughest, including by increasing social security payments such as JobSeeker and Youth Allowance, and fixing the punitive employment services system," Dr Goldie said.
"We also need increased investment in social housing and energy efficiency programs to bring down energy bills."
The latest ABS jobs figures released today showed a rise in unemployment (seasonally adjusted) from 4.3% in August to 4.5% in September – up from 650,000 to 684,000 people unemployed. Over the last three years, unemployment has risen from 3.6% in September 2022 to 4.5% in September 2025.
