Australia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 4.3% in February 2026, exceeding both the 4.1% forecast and levels seen in the previous two months. This marked the highest reading since November, as the number of unemployed increased by 35,000 to a three-month high of 659,100 from 624,200 in January. Those seeking full-time work grew by 31,000 to 433,000, and part-time job seekers edged up 3,900 to 226,100. Meanwhile, employment climbed 48,900 to a new peak of 14.75 million, easily beating estimates of a 20,300 increase and after an upwardly revised 26,000 gain in January. Part-time employment jumped 79,400 to 4.63 million, but full-time employment declined 30,500 to 10.12 million. The participation rate hit a four-month high of 66.9%, compared with estimates and December's 66.7%. The underemployment rate held steady at 5.9%. Meanwhile, total monthly hours worked across all jobs eased 3 million to 2,007 million.