Employment in Australia jumped 48,900 to a fresh peak of 14.75 million in February 2026, accelerating from an upwardly revised 26,000 gain in the previous month, compared with market expectations of a 20,300 increase. The latest result indicated the third straight month of monthly growth, as part-time employment surged 79,400 to 4.63 million, but full-time employment declined 30,500 to 10.12 million. The employment-to-population ratio remained unchanged at 64.0%, and the participation rate increased to 66.9% from the prior 66.7%. On an annual basis, total employment rose by 264,700, or 1.8%.