Reported at www.theguardian.com: Australia’s unemployment rate rose to 4% in December, as reported by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, despite a strong job creation of 56,300 positions.

This mixed employment data creates uncertainty regarding a potential interest rate cut by the Reserve Bank of Australia, which may be influenced by ongoing inflation and participation rates.

While many households have managed to endure high living costs due to a robust labor market, community stress is evident from increased demand at food charities and a notable decline in spending on household goods.