Australians over 65 now hold 773,000 jobs
Australians aged 65 and over held around 773,000 jobs in June 2026, up from just 160,000 in 1996. Their share of all filled jobs has risen from 1.8 to 4.7 per cent.
Topic
Australian Economy
A collection of 9 issues
Women hold more than 50% of all jobs in Australia
Women now hold 50.2 per cent of Australian filled jobs. But men still hold more main jobs — the difference is explained by women’s much greater share of secondary employment.
Australia is borrowing from abroad to pay higher fuel prices
Australia is paying substantially more overseas for imported fuel. The fuel is quickly consumed, but the foreign liabilities used to help finance Australia’s external deficit can remain.
Victoria is approving more homes than NSW despite having 1.5 million fewer people
Victoria approved more dwellings than New South Wales in July despite having around 1.5 million fewer residents. On a per-capita basis, its approval rate is approximately 25 per cent higher.
Queensland's government budget starting to get out of control
Queensland recorded an $8.4 billion operating deficit and $19.1 billion of net borrowing in 2025–26, giving it the largest borrowing requirement relative to revenue of any Australian state or territory.
Household spending rebound makes the RBA’s job harder
Household spending has risen strongly for three consecutive months, with discretionary expenditure now growing faster than spending on essentials.
Labor’s investment boom survives a data-centre hangover
Private capital expenditure fell in June, but the headline masks strong annual growth, rising investment intentions and an extraordinary data-centre investment cycle.
Mining’s skills problem is unusually specialised
New ABS data shows that mining’s workforce problem is not simply a shortage of labour. Among mining businesses experiencing skill shortages, 77.3% say specialist skills or knowledge are required — the highest proportion of any industry.
Three (blunt) politically relevant messages from the latest RBA Minutes
The latest RBA Minutes contain three unusually clear political messages on interest rates, Australia’s productivity problem and the weakening housing market.