Top 250 Recruitment Statistics & Trends in Australia in 2025

As of July 2025, the official unemployment rate in Australia was 4.2 percent, reflecting the proportion of the labor force actively seeking employment but currently without a job, which indicates a relatively stable yet tight labor market environment.

The employment rate, representing the percentage of the working-age population currently employed, stood at 64.2 percent in July 2025, indicating that nearly two-thirds of Australians in the working-age bracket were engaged in paid employment across a variety of industries.

The labor force participation rate, which measures the share of people working or actively looking for work within the working-age population, was recorded at 67.1 percent in July 2025, displaying a steady engagement of Australians in the labor market.

The underemployment rate, accounting for workers who are employed but would prefer additional hours, was around 5.9 percent as of July 2025, highlighting that a portion of the labor force is not fully utilized in terms of working hours.

In July 2025, total hours worked by all employed persons across Australia reached approximately 1,988 million, presenting a macroeconomic view of the labor input driving national economic activity.

The total number of employed individuals in the country was around 14,659,300 as of July 2025, demonstrating a strong employment base despite varying economic and sectoral conditions.

For the year spanning 2024 to 2025, the documented job turnover rate was roughly 7.7 percent, a figure illustrating that a meaningful portion of the workforce changed employers or jobs, indicating labor market dynamism.

Men’s job turnover rate in the same period was slightly lower at 7.6 percent, suggesting somewhat less frequent job changes compared to the average.

Women experienced a higher job turnover rate of 7.9 percent, potentially due to specific labor market factors such as career transitions, part-time work arrangements, or other demographic dynamics.

Casual employment—non-permanent engagements—accounted for 21.3 percent of jobs in May 2025, emphasizing the notable prevalence of flexible labor arrangements within the job market.

The ratio of unemployed persons to available job vacancies was around 1.8 as of May 2025, meaning there were approximately 1.8 job seekers competing for every unfilled job, reflecting significant labor market tightness.

Approximately 57 percent of Australian employees reported having less than five years of tenure in their current role in 2025, pointing towards a relatively mobile and adaptable workforce.

There were 339,400 job vacancies nationally in May 2025, illustrating a substantial demand for labor across multiple sectors.

Of these vacancies, about 301,900 were within the private sector, highlighting private businesses as the primary source of new job opportunities.

Public sector recruitment comprised approximately 37,500 vacancies in the same period, reflecting ongoing hiring within government and public services.

Online job advertisements across Australia totaled roughly 208,000 in May 2025, signifying the ongoing importance of digital recruitment channels.

This marked a 2.8 percent decline in online ads from the previous month, indicating some short-term variability in recruitment activity.

Compared year-on-year to May 2024, online job ads were down by 12.7 percent, indicating a significant contraction in advertised vacancies that may reflect shifting hiring practices or economic cycles.

Employer data from March 2025 showed that 46 percent of organizations had recently recruited new staff, indicating continuing but careful workforce expansion.

In the Northern Territory, recruitment activity was particularly high, with 61 percent of employers having recently hired, demonstrating strong demand for labor in this region.

Queensland’s employers also showed elevated recruitment rates at 53 percent, suggesting robust economic activity and labor demand consistent with regional growth.

Recruitment challenges were most pronounced in the Northern Territory, where 57 percent of employers reported difficulties filling vacancies, underscoring localized labor market tightness.

Queensland experienced similar recruitment stresses with 45 percent of employers citing difficulty, reflecting competition for talent in this state.

Northern Territory employers were the most optimistic about growth, with 32 percent expecting to expand their workforce, the highest among all Australian states and territories.

Mining was the sector with the highest vacancy rate at 4.3 percent, reflecting ongoing demand for workers in resource extraction industries.

The accommodation and food services sector followed with a 3.1 percent vacancy rate, indicating notable recruitment challenges in hospitality and tourism-related jobs.

Utilities experienced a 2.7 percent vacancy rate, pointing to sustained labor demand in energy and essential services.

Employee turnover in the accommodation and food services sector was estimated at 15.5 percent, substantially higher than the national average, reflecting the transient nature of work in this industry.

In March 2025, approximately 69.7 percent of advertised vacancies were successfully filled, pointing to the effectiveness of recruitment efforts.

This fill rate represented an increase of 1.1 percentage points over the previous year, suggesting gradually improving labor market matching.

Over 400 occupational titles across Australia were identified as in shortage in 2025, indicating extensive demand for specific skills and roles.

An overwhelming 85 percent of employers reported experiencing skill shortages that hampered their ability to recruit suitable staff.

The healthcare, IT, and engineering sectors were amongst the hardest hit by high demand and worker shortages throughout 2025.

Women’s participation rate in the labor market rose to 61 percent by July 2025, signifying continued gains towards gender workforce parity.

The representation of women in senior management positions reached 32 percent in 2025, reflecting progress in leadership diversity.

Youth between ages 15 and 24 had a labor market participation rate of 54 percent, highlighting the engagement of young workers in the economy.

The youth unemployment rate fell to 10.2 percent in July 2025, decreasing by 0.5 percentage points from the previous year, representing improved entry into the workforce.

Migrants constituted 16.3 percent of Australia’s workforce, underscoring the significant role immigration continues to play in supplementing labor supply.

The country’s total population included 10.7 percent migrants, reflecting ongoing diversity in demographic composition.

On average, each migrant contributed an estimated $249,000 in fiscal benefits over their lifetime, demonstrating the economic value brought by migration.

Fiscal revenue generated annually by migrants was estimated at $124 million per 1,000 individuals, showing their contribution to government finances.

Around 27 percent of migrants had postgraduate qualifications, underscoring their role in meeting skill demands.

Skilled migration intake increased by 12 percent in the first six months of 2025 relative to the prior year, addressing key labor shortages.

The failure to meet skilled migration targets resulted in an estimated $34 billion loss in tax revenue and productivity for the economy.

The shortage of skilled workers across high-demand sectors was estimated at 135,000 in 2025, emphasizing recruitment challenges.

Victoria was the highest recipient of skilled migrants, with 3,668 arrivals between July 2024 and January 2025.

South Australia welcomed 2,266 skilled migrants during this time frame, contributing to labor market growth.

New South Wales accepted 1,504 skilled migrants, playing a major role in workforce composition.

Studies suggest that each 1 percent increase in migrant labor force participation boosts local employment rates by approximately 0.53 percent.

Skilled overseas professionals accounted for 5.1 percent of newly created jobs in Australia within the first half of 2025.

The average wage growth across Australia in June 2025 was recorded at 3.4 percent annually, signaling continuous real income gains in various industries amid inflationary pressures.

Quarterly wage growth stood at 0.8 percent in mid-2025, suggesting ongoing but moderate increases in worker compensation, reflecting stabilized economic conditions.

Specific sectors such as marketing, design, and technology experienced wage increases around 6 percent, outpacing the national wage growth average and indicating strong competition for skilled talent.

As of July 2025, the minimum wage in Australia was set at $24.95 per hour, providing a baseline wage that impacts millions of workers, especially in entry-level and casual roles.

This minimum hourly wage equated roughly to a weekly income of $948 for a standard 38-hour workweek, ensuring a minimum earnings floor for full-time workers.

Casual employees received a higher hourly rate averaging $31.19 due to casual loading, which compensates for the lack of paid leave entitlements.

The minimum wage rose by 3.5 percent compared to the prior year, reflecting government policy aimed at supporting low-income workers and cost of living adjustments.

Workers earning below an annual salary of $183,100 were covered by unfair dismissal laws in 2025, marking the upper threshold of protection for Australian employees.

The utilities sector led wage growth at 4.4 percent, highlighting demand for skilled labor in energy, water, and essential services industries.

Health and education sectors collectively saw wage increases of 3.8 percent, reflecting government investment and labor shortages in these vital public sectors.

The hospitality sector recorded wage growth of 4.1 percent, driven by acute recruitment needs and retention efforts amid labor scarcity.

Part-time workers’ average hourly wages increased by 3.8 percent, indicating improving pay conditions even in non-standard employment arrangements.

Recruitment costs for Australian employers rose by 5.2 percent year-on-year in 2025, reflecting greater competition for skilled candidates and more resource-intensive hiring processes.

Employers reported receiving an average of 65 applications per job posting, demonstrating the volume of applicant interest despite persistent skill shortages.

This figure was 11 percent lower than the global average, indicating tighter applicant pools and more targeted recruitment in Australia.

Flexibility in working arrangements became the norm, with 69 percent of Australian employers offering hybrid or flexible work options by mid-2025.

Over half (53 percent) of part-time employees were eligible for remote work arrangements, expanding workforce inclusivity and adaptability.

Fully remote employment accounted for 14 percent of roles, maintaining the momentum of remote work adoption post-pandemic.

Employer surveys indicated 83 percent planned to either maintain or expand their remote workforce hiring strategies into the future.

Digital recruitment platforms remained dominant, with more than 90 percent of job seekers actively engaged on these sites for employment opportunities.

Roughly 30 percent of employers reported recruitment difficulties, often related to shortages in critical or technical skills.

Sixty-six percent of businesses had implemented formal diversity and inclusion policies, reflecting growing commitment to equitable workplaces.

The vast majority (over 75 percent) of recruitment agencies used applicant tracking systems to manage job applications effectively and enhance candidate sourcing efficiency.

About 85 percent of hiring managers reported skill shortages as a major concern limiting their workforce expansion capabilities.

On-the-job training was required for approximately 72 percent of new hires, underscoring the need for workplace learning to bridge skill gaps.

Artificial intelligence technologies were utilized in recruitment by 58 percent of employers, showing rapid adoption of automation tools in talent acquisition.

Skills-based hiring policies took precedence in 86 percent of organizations, focusing on competencies over traditional qualifications during recruitment.

Despite part-time employment, 8.6 percent of these workers expressed a desire for greater working hours, highlighting persistent underemployment.

Formal skills-based recruitment practices were employed by 87 percent of companies, aiming to improve hiring outcomes and reduce mismatch.

Permanent full-time employment contracts remained the largest contract category across industries, providing employment stability for most workers.

The average working week for full-time employees was 37.8 hours, consistent with labor regulations and workforce expectations.

At mid-2025, approximately 4.5 million Australians worked part-time, contributing significantly to the overall labor supply.

Casual workers accounted for 21.3 percent of total employment, highlighting the importance of flexible labor arrangements in Australia’s economy.

The number of contract and fixed-term roles increased slightly, reflecting employers’ preference for adaptable and project-based workforce solutions amid an uncertain economic climate.

The gig economy composed around 12.5 percent of the workforce, with an upward trend reflecting changing employment preferences and increasing platform-based work.

Gig economy participation rose by 1.7 percentage points from 2023, indicating enhanced acceptance of non-traditional employment models.

Automation and digitization reduced office administration employment by 3.2 percent, showing structural shifts in administrative roles.

Retail job turnover rates declined by 12.1 percent, suggesting some success in retaining staff despite sectoral challenges.

The healthcare sector added about 70,200 jobs in 2025, reflecting ongoing demand for medical professionals amid an aging population and healthcare expansion.

The education sector grew by approximately 54,900 jobs, correlating with rising enrolments and policy investments in schooling and training sectors.

Accommodation and food services created 42,700 new positions, driven by recovering tourism and consumer spending patterns.

Employment in the utilities sector expanded by 8 percent year-over-year, driven by infrastructure projects and energy transitions.

The rental and real estate sector grew gradually, with employment rising by 6.1 percent as housing market activity climbed.

Manufacturing employment rose by 2.1 percent to approximately 800,000 workers, reflecting steady recovery and investment in industrial sectors.

Employment in the information technology sector increased by 8.2 percent, showing robust demand aligning with digital transformation trends across industries.

Small businesses were responsible for 41 percent of new jobs created in the first half of 2025, underscoring their economic importance and vitality.

Government funding directed towards labor market training and skills development reached AUD 1.2 billion in 2025, marking a 15 percent increase from the previous year and supporting workforce upskilling initiatives.

Casual employment in retail increased by 3.4 percent, emphasizing the sector’s reliance on flexible labor to manage fluctuating demand.

Migrants accounted for 16.3 percent of the Australian workforce, an essential component in addressing labor shortages and supporting demographic growth.

Migrants represented 10.7 percent of the national population in 2025, highlighting the significant role of immigration in the country’s social and economic fabric.

The total number of skilled migrants settling in Victoria between July 2024 and January 2025 was approximately 3,668, underlining the state’s continued attractiveness for high-skilled foreign workers contributing to its labor market growth.

South Australia received around 2,266 skilled migrants during the same period, which has bolstered its workforce capacity in critical industries requiring technical expertise.

New South Wales attracted 1,504 skilled migrants in the July 2024 to January 2025 period, providing valuable skills and talent for its diverse economic sectors.

Statistical analysis indicates that each 1 percent increase in the migrant labor force is associated with a roughly 0.53 percent increase in local employment, illustrating the complementary nature of migrant labor to the domestic workforce.

Skilled migrants were responsible for filling about 5.1 percent of all new jobs created during the first half of 2025, demonstrating their substantial role in mitigating labor shortages.

An estimated 69 percent of Australian employers offer hybrid or flexible working arrangements to their employees, reflecting a permanent shift in workplace culture emphasizing flexibility.

Among part-time employees, 53 percent reported eligibility to work remotely for at least some portion of their hours, highlighting expanding access to remote work options.

Fully remote work positions accounted for approximately 14 percent of all roles in the Australian labor market in 2025, revealing sustained demand for location-independent employment.

Employer projections from 2025 showed that 83 percent planned to maintain or increase their hiring of remote employees, emphasizing the strategic role of remote work in talent acquisition.

Over 90 percent of Australian job seekers utilize online platforms such as job boards and company websites when searching for employment opportunities, demonstrating digital recruitment’s centrality.

Recruitment difficulties were reported by approximately 30 percent of employers, with many citing shortages in core skills and competition for specialized talent.

There has been a marked increase in diversity and inclusion policies among Australian organizations, with 66 percent implementing formal measures to promote equitable hiring.

More than three-quarters of recruitment agencies use applicant tracking systems, including software such as iCIMS, Greenhouse, and Lever, enhancing recruitment efficiency and candidate management.

Skill shortages continue to be a major challenge for 85 percent of hiring managers, constraining efforts to fill vacancies across multiple industries.

Employer surveys report that approximately 72 percent of newly recruited employees require some form of additional training or skill development post-hire.

Artificial intelligence is employed by 58 percent of companies in the recruitment process, reflecting increasing reliance on AI technologies for resume screening and candidate matching.

Skills-based hiring, which emphasizes candidate competencies over traditional credentials, is practiced by 86 percent of Australian organizations, improving alignment between job demands and employee abilities.

Among part-time workers, 8.6 percent expressed the desire for increased hours, highlighting ongoing underemployment in this segment.

Formal adoption of skills-based recruitment policies increased to 87 percent among employers in 2025.

Permanent full-time roles continued to constitute the majority of employment contracts in Australia, providing more stability for workers.

The average workweek for full-time employees was approximately 37.8 hours, consistent with national standards and employment conditions.

As of mid-2025, about 4.5 million workers were employed part-time, accounting for a significant fraction of the overall workforce.

Casual employment represented 21.3 percent of total employment, indicating the continued relevance of flexible working arrangements.

Contract and fixed-term employment roles showed a modest increase, reflecting employers’ preference for adaptability amid economic uncertainties.

The gig economy grew to include 12.5 percent of Australia’s workforce in 2025, reflecting changing worker preferences and platform-based employment models.

Gig economy participation rose by 1.7 percentage points from 2023, continuing upward growth in alternative work arrangements.

Employment in office administration declined by 3.2 percent due to technological automation reducing demand for traditional clerical roles.

The retail sector saw employee turnover rates fall by 12.1 percent, suggesting improved employee retention strategies are taking effect.

Employment in the healthcare industry grew by about 70,200 jobs, driven by increased service demand and health sector expansion.

The education sector added nearly 54,900 new jobs, supported by rising enrollment and government investment in education infrastructure and staff.

Accommodation and food services employment increased by approximately 42,700 positions, reflecting the recovery of the hospitality sector.

The utilities sector saw an 8 percent growth in employment year-on-year, due to expansion and infrastructure projects.

The rental and real estate sectors increased employment by 6.1 percent, buoyed by housing market activity and property management demands.

Manufacturing employment grew by 2.1 percent to about 800,000 workers, indicating steady recovery in industrial production.

The information technology sector expanded employment by 8.2 percent, highlighting strong demand for digital and tech professionals.

Small and medium enterprises were responsible for creating 41 percent of new jobs in the first half of 2025, underscoring their role in the economy.

Public funding for labor market training programs increased by 15 percent to AUD 1.2 billion in 2025, bolstering workforce skills development.

Casual employment in retail rose by 3.4 percent, consistent with the sector’s reliance on flexible labor.

Migrants made up 16.3 percent of the total workforce, reflecting Australia’s continued dependence on immigration for labor supply.

The migrant population accounted for 10.7 percent of all Australians in 2025, contributing to demographic diversity and labor market resilience.

On average, each migrant provides an estimated fiscal contribution of $249,000 over the course of their working life, supporting economic growth and public services.

Annual fiscal revenues generated by migrants were approximately $124 million per 1,000 migrants, signaling substantial contributions to government budgets.

Postgraduate qualifications were held by 27 percent of the migrant workforce, aligning with skilled migration policies.

Skilled migration inflows rose by 12 percent in the first half of 2025, addressing critical shortages across many industries.

The economic cost of failing to meet skilled migration targets has been estimated at $34 billion annually due to lost productivity and revenues.

Skilled labor shortages were calculated to total around 135,000 positions across in-demand sectors in 2025.

Victoria led the states in skilled migrant arrivals with 3,668 new arrivals between mid-2024 and early 2025.

South Australia received 2,266 skilled migrants during the same period, supporting workforce needs in the region.

New South Wales recorded 1,504 skilled migrants arrivals, reinforcing its economic and labor market strength.

Each 1 percent growth in migrant labor force participation corresponded to a 0.53 percent rise in local employment, evidencing positive economic linkages.

The unemployment rate in Australia was 4.2 percent in July 2025 according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, showing a slight decline from the previous month and signaling relative labor market stability.

Participation rate held steady at approximately 67 percent in mid-2025, reflecting continued engagement by Australians in the workforce or active job search.

Total employment reached a record high of over 14.6 million people in July 2025, underscoring broad labor market participation despite challenges in specific sectors.

Full-time employment rose by 60,500 persons, reaching over 10.1 million workers, indicating preference and recovery in full-time roles.

Part-time employment reduced to about 4.52 million, reflecting a modest shift towards full-time employment.

The underemployment rate stood at 5.9 percent, marking a slight improvement compared to earlier months.

Total hours worked across all jobs increased by around 6 million hours, reaching nearly 1,987 million hours, indicating expanding labor utilization.

Unemployment tended to be higher among youth, who experienced a rate of over 10 percent, highlighting ongoing challenges for young job seekers.

The Newcastle-Fort St. John region observed a slight rise in unemployment, in line with local industrial transitions.

Sectors facing most pronounced labor shortages included mining, construction, healthcare, and education, with vacancy rates exceeding national averages.

Australian employers reported that 70 percent of new hires did not possess all required skills, underlining ongoing skill gaps.

The average time to fill vacancies extended to over six weeks in many specialized sectors, reflecting recruitment difficulties.

Vocational education and training programs faced enrollment declines of over 8 percent in some trades, attributed partially to labor market dynamics.

Apprenticeship commencements fell by 7.5 percent in 2025 compared to previous years, revealing challenges in trade skill pipelines.

The digital and information technology sector led job growth with an 8 percent increase year-over-year, emphasizing the importance of tech skills.

Women’s workforce participation increased to 61 percent, reflecting more equitable labor market integration.

Gender pay gap in full-time workers remained at approximately 13 percent, with progress slow but ongoing.

Remote work adoption stabilized, with about 14 percent of jobs fully remote and an additional 53 percent allowing partial remote work.

Labor force mobility showed that approximately 7.7 percent of employees changed jobs within a year, with a slightly higher rate among women.

Regional labor markets showed differential performance with regional unemployment averaging 4.8 percent, higher than metropolitan averages.

Indigenous employment participation increased modestly to 59 percent, with various government programs supporting workforce inclusion.

Migrant workers are concentrated heavily in healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trade sectors.

Long-term labor market forecasts estimate a 1.8 percent GDP growth in 2025 and 2.2 percent in 2026, supporting modest job growth projections.

Inflationary pressures remain moderate with projected annual inflation near 2.3 percent for 2025 and 2026.

Tax reforms planned to reduce the first marginal income tax rate to 14 percent by mid-2026 aim to incentivize labor force participation, particularly among part-time and low-income workers.

Childcare affordability improvements complement tax cuts to encourage workforce participation among secondary earners.

The accommodation and food services sector exhibits the highest turnover rates nationally, influenced by worker shortages and sector instability.

Public sector employment grew sharply, adding over 316,000 jobs (7.6 percent increase) in 2025, reflecting government responses to service demands.

Private sector job growth slowed considerably to around 0.1 percent in 2025, indicating caution amidst economic uncertainties.

Industry-specific recruitment difficulties persist in sectors such as construction, aged care, and engineering.

Australian workforce demographics include approximately 22 percent aged over 55 years, contributing to workforce aging considerations.

Average job tenure among full-time employees is just under five years, while part-time workers typically remain in roles for around two years on average.

Mental health programs in workplaces saw increased participation, with 45 percent of employees reporting engagement in wellness initiatives.

Employee engagement rates averaged 71 percent in national surveys, underscoring the importance of organizational culture in retention.

Approximately 48 percent of workers received annual bonuses, varying widely by sector and job level.

Health insurance benefits were offered to 62 percent of employees across public and private sectors.

Apprenticeship completions totaled around 49,300 in 2025, indicating training pipelines for skilled trades.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) completions numbered about 112,500, maintaining steady contribution to skill development.

Union membership remained at around 10.3 percent of the workforce, largely concentrated in public and unionized industries.

Apprentice retention challenges remain, with an estimated 30 percent attrition before completion.

Workforce productivity grew by approximately 1.9 percent in 2025 while the average overtime hours worked slightly declined by 2.5 percent.

Employee absenteeism rates averaged 4.2 percent monthly, varying by industry and region.

Retention rates for new hires improved marginally by 4.3 percent in 2025, reflecting enhanced onboarding and employee engagement strategies.

Youth unemployment remained above the national average but saw gradual improvement through targeted employment programs.

Small business hiring contributed notably to employment growth, with many enterprises focusing on regional job creation.

Agricultural sectors reported labor shortages equating to approximately 8,000 unfilled roles, impacting seasonal and permanent operations.

Regional employment growth outpaced metropolitan areas by 1.6 percentage points, driven by investment and policy focus.

Diversity measures increasingly influenced recruitment, with companies reporting more inclusive hiring and training practices.

The adoption of AI and data analytics in recruitment processes rose sharply, improving candidate screening and reducing time-to-hire.

The use of social media platforms like LinkedIn for recruiting reached 67 percent among firms, replacing traditional hiring channels.

The sustained increase in the use of artificial intelligence for recruitment has enabled 58 percent of companies to streamline candidate screening and reduce hiring time.

Skills-based hiring policies emphasize candidate competencies and have been adopted by 86 percent of employers, improving workforce alignment with organizational needs.

Despite part-time employment status, 8.6 percent of workers expressed a desire for additional hours, highlighting ongoing labor utilization challenges.

Formal skills-based recruitment processes have become widespread, used by 87 percent of Australian organizations in 2025 to improve talent selection.

Permanent full-time contracts remain the backbone of Australia’s employment pattern, reaffirming workforce stability.

The typical full-time employee worked an average of 37.8 hours per week, consistent with work-life balance standards.

Part-time employment involves approximately 4.5 million Australians, highlighting the prevalence of flexible work arrangements.

A significant 21.3 percent of the workforce was engaged in casual roles, evidencing the importance of non-permanent work options.

Contract and fixed-term employment numbers displayed modest year-on-year increases, reflecting organizational adaptation to economic dynamics.

The gig economy’s share of the labor market rose to 12.5 percent, signalling growing acceptance of platform-based and freelance work.

Gig economy involvement increased by 1.7 percentage points since 2023, reflecting evolving worker preferences.

Automation and digitisation have contributed to a 3.2 percent decrease in office administration roles.

Employee turnover rates in retail slowed by 12.1 percent, suggesting improved retention strategies.

Healthcare industry employment expanded by roughly 70,200 jobs to address rising care demands.

Education sector job creation added approximately 54,900 positions amid efforts to enhance learning infrastructure.

Accommodation and food services jobs increased by 42,700, tied to recovering hospitality and tourism sectors.

Utilities employment grew by 8 percent, an indicator of investment in infrastructure and service expansion.

The rental and real estate sectors showed a 6.1 percent increase in employment consistent with housing market upticks.

Manufacturing employment rose 2.1 percent to around 800,000 workers, reflecting ongoing industrial growth.

Information technology jobs grew 8.2 percent, underscoring strong demand in digital sectors.

Small and medium businesses contributed 41 percent of new jobs created in H1 2025, affirming their crucial economic role.

Government spending on labor market programs rose by 15 percent to AUD 1.2 billion, enhancing workforce development initiatives.

Retail sector casual employment climbed by 3.4 percent, emphasizing its reliance on flexible labor.

Migrants comprised 16.3 percent of the labor force, marking them as vital contributors to workforce supply.

Migrants made up 10.7 percent of the total population in 2025, illustrating diverse demographic composition.

Migrants contributed, on average, $249,000 in lifetime fiscal benefits to the Australian economy.

Annual fiscal revenues derived from migrants reached $124 million per 1,000 persons, highlighting significant government contributions.

Twenty-seven percent of migrants had postgraduate qualifications, reinforcing skilled migration goals.

Skilled migrant intake increased by 12 percent in H1 2025, addressing critical industry labor shortages.

Failure to meet skilled migration targets cost Australia an estimated $34 billion in lost tax revenue and productivity.

Skilled labor shortages were estimated at 135,000 vacant positions across sectors most in need of workers.

Victoria led states with 3,668 skilled migrant arrivals between mid-2024 and early 2025, confirming its key role in immigration.

South Australia attracted 2,266 skilled migrants during this period, boosting its workforce.

New South Wales received 1,504 skilled migrants, enhancing labor markets in highly populated regions.

Studies show a 0.53 percent local employment increase for every 1 percent rise in migrant labor, revealing economic complementarities.

Skilled migrants filled approximately 5.1 percent of new jobs created during H1 2025.

Hybrid or flexible working options were provided by 69 percent of employers, reflecting adaptations to changing workplace expectations.

Remote work eligibility covered 53 percent of part-time workers, supporting flexibility in employment.

Fully remote roles accounted for 14 percent of jobs in 2025, cementing remote work’s role post-pandemic.

Eighty-three percent of employers planned to retain or increase remote-based hiring capabilities.

Digital recruitment remained predominant, with over 90 percent of job seekers relying on online platforms.

Thirty percent of employers cited recruitment difficulties related to skill shortages as key hiring constraints.

Diversity and inclusion policies were formalized in 66 percent of Australian organizations.

Applicant tracking system adoption surpassed 75 percent among hiring agencies to improve recruitment efficiency.

Skills shortages impacted recruitment success for 85 percent of employers, highlighting imperative skills gaps.

Seventy-two percent of employers required significant on-the-job training for new hires.

Artificial intelligence-assisted recruitment tools were widely adopted by 58 percent of organizations.

Skills-based hiring practices, focusing on competencies, have been adopted by 86 percent of employers.

8.6 percent of part-time workers expressed a desire for more working hours, signaling underemployment challenges.

Formal skills-based hiring programs were used by 87 percent of organizations aiming to better match workforce needs.