Australian Unemployment Rises to 10.1% in January Amid Growing Workforce

By Robert Heyward

In January 2025, Australia’s real unemployment increased by 78,000 people to 1,620,000, reaching 10.1% of the workforce (up 0.4%). The rise in unemployment was driven by more people entering the workforce, with many struggling to secure jobs.

The total Australian workforce reached a record 16,115,000, an increase of 297,000 from December. Both employment and unemployment grew, with employment rising by 219,000 to a new high of 14,495,000, while unemployment also climbed.

Employment Growth Driven by Full-Time Jobs

January saw a surge in full-time employment, which increased by 306,000 to 9,629,000—a new record. In contrast, part-time employment dropped for the second consecutive month, falling by 87,000 to 4,866,000.

Unemployment Rises with Workforce Expansion

• Unemployed Australians: 1,620,000 (10.1% of workforce, up 78,000 from December)
• Looking for part-time work: 837,000 (up 36,000)
• Looking for full-time work: 783,000 (up 42,000)

Unemployment & Underemployment Hit Highest Levels Since 2021

Total unemployment and under-employment rose to 21.4% (up 1.1%), the highest rate since January 2021.

• Under-employed Australians (working part-time but seeking more work): 1.81 million (11.3% of workforce, up 137,000)
• Total Australians unemployed or under-employed: 3.43 million (21.4% of workforce)

Comparison to Two Years Ago

The workforce has grown 1,090,000 since January 2023, with employment rising 1,077,000 in that time. However, the increase in workforce participation is outpacing job availability, driving up unemployment rates.

The January unemployment estimates were obtained from Roy Morgan’s national survey of Australians aged 14+, classifying individuals as unemployed if they are actively looking for work.

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Tweed Heads Man Revs Up Excitement with $50,000 Keno Win

Jeff Gibbs

A Tweed Heads man is ready for high-speed adventures after winning $50,000 in a Keno Classic draw. The lucky winner hit the jackpot in draw 968 on Thursday, 13 February 2025, with his winning ticket purchased at Ivory Waterside, 156 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads.

The New South Wales resident said he discovered the exciting news during a night out with a friend.
“It was quite the surprise,” the winner shared. “We put on a few games and completely forgot about them. We weren’t watching the screen, so it was only when I checked my ticket that I found out about the win.”

Overjoyed with the unexpected windfall, the pair stayed out to celebrate. The winner already has plans for his prize:
“I’ll probably buy a new motorbike and put some towards the house. I’ve only played Keno about five times, so it was pretty amazing to win like this.”

The man revealed he used a selection of special numbers and couldn’t be more grateful for his good fortune.
“Thanks so much!”

Keno Players Enjoy Big Wins Across Australia

In FY24, Keno players across Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, and Victoria celebrated more than 78.5 million wins, collectively worth over $1.16 billion.

Among the major winners were 18 millionaires and multi-millionaires, including a Shelly Beach dad who took home a $5.92 million windfall. Eight major winners were from New South Wales and the ACT, with total winnings of $588.5 million across the region.

Adam Gilchrist Pavilion Honours an Aussie Cricketing Legend

Jeff Gibbs

Lismore’s reputation as a premier regional sporting hub has reached new heights with the unveiling of the Adam Gilchrist Pavilion at the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub. Named in honour of Adam (Gilly) Gilchrist, one of Australia’s greatest cricketers, the pavilion is part of a $12.4 million upgrade to Oakes Oval and Crozier Field.

A Tribute to a Cricket Icon
Adam Gilchrist, renowned for his aggressive batting and wicketkeeping prowess, is deeply connected to Lismore, where he spent his formative years and attended school in Goonellabah. As a key member of three World Cup-winning teams (1999, 2003, 2007) and a Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2002), his contributions to Australian cricket are legendary. His induction into the International Cricket Council’s Hall of Fame cements his place in cricket history.

Reflecting on the honour, Gilchrist said:
“It’s an incredible honour to have a pavilion named after you. Growing up in Lismore, I never imagined this day would come. I hope it serves as a reminder of the community that supported me and how much this place means to me.”

Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg described the pavilion as a fitting tribute:
“Gilly brought joy and amazement to cricket fans across the world. It’s an absolute honour to have this high-quality facility named after one of Lismore’s most iconic sporting figures.”

A Multi-Purpose Sporting Venue

The Adam Gilchrist Pavilion is a modern, multi-purpose venue designed to host sporting and community events. Key features include:

• Function room with internal seating for 100
• Commercial kitchen and bar
• Office space and meeting rooms
• Viewing deck overlooking Oakes Oval and Crozier Field
• Modern amenities including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, accessible toilets, and a lift

The flexible space can be divided into three separate areas, making it suitable for meetings, private functions, conferences, weddings, and corporate events.

A Major Investment in Regional Sport

The $12.4 million upgrade to the Lismore Regional Sporting Hub has transformed the facility, delivering:

• New change rooms
• Upgraded grandstands
• Enhanced spectator areas
• Cricket training nets built to national standards
• Additional amenities blocks

Funded through contributions from the Australian Government ($6 million), NSW Government’s Regional Sport Infrastructure Fund ($4.5 million), Stronger Country Communities Fund ($400,000), and Lismore City Council ($1.5 million), the upgrades ensure that Lismore remains a top-tier destination for high-profile sporting events.

The Adam Gilchrist Pavilion is now available for hire, offering an ideal setting for community gatherings, corporate events, and social celebrations.

For bookings and more information, visit the Lismore City Council website at www.lismore.nsw.gov.au.

Forestry Corporation Under Fire for Amended Sustainability Reports

By Ian Rogers

The NSW Forestry Corporation is facing serious scrutiny after it was caught quietly revising three years’ worth of sustainability reports, significantly reducing the reported timber yield from native forest logging since 2021. The revised data shows a 28% decline in yield across NSW, raising questions about the corporation’s reporting practices and the broader sustainability of native forest logging.

The discrepancy was uncovered in 2024 by members of the North East Forest Alliance and South East Forest Rescue. The discovery has prompted Greens MP and environment spokesperson Sue Higginson to call on the NSW Auditor-General to investigate the Forestry Corporation for maladministration.

“The reported yield from native forest logging is a cornerstone of so-called ecologically sustainable forest management,” Ms. Higginson said. “For this data to be revised down by 28% without any public announcement calls into question the entire justification for continuing native forest logging.”

Misleading Data Raises Alarm

Ms. Higginson described the changes as a case of maladministration, highlighting that the original data—now proven inaccurate—had been tabled in NSW Parliament as part of Forestry’s sustainability reports since 2022.

“The fact that these reports were altered without formal recognition or public explanation is deeply concerning,” Ms. Higginson said. “The Forestry Corporation has a legal obligation to ensure that yields are accurately measured and sustainable. This data revision confirms what we’ve known for decades—that neither of these obligations has been met.”

Industry Losses and Environmental Concerns

According to the Forestry Corporation’s own annual reports, the native forest logging industry in NSW has incurred $73 million in losses since 2020. Ms. Higginson argues that the revised data reflects not only the declining profitability of the sector but also the deteriorating health of the state’s native forests.

“If timber yields are 28% lower than what the Government was originally told, it’s clear that the forests are in a far worse state than the Forestry Corporation is willing to admit,” she said.

Calls for Immediate Action

Ms. Higginson urged the Minns Labor Government to act swiftly and end native forest logging in NSW.

“The writing is on the wall,” she said. “The native forest logging industry is collapsing. We already know what it will cost to transition workers and communities out of the industry, and it’s significantly less than the ongoing destruction of our precious native forests.”

Environmental advocates have long called for an end to native forest logging, arguing that it is both economically and ecologically unsustainable. Ms. Higginson’s call for a formal investigation could further intensify pressure on the government to reconsider its stance.

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3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing

By Ian Rogers

Opening Statement by Charlotte Wundersitz, National Farmers’ Federation General Manager of Rural Affairs – Date: Feb 5, 2024

Thank you for the opportunity to appear today.

The livelihoods of Australian farming families are intrinsically tied to accessible, reliable, affordable, and high-quality connectivity.

Since Telstra and Optus commenced the shutdown of their respective 3G mobile networks in October 2024, promising equivalent or improved coverage, Australian farmers remain unconvinced that these major providers have fulfilled that commitment. Three months post-shutdown, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) continues to receive widespread reports of diminished service availability and quality.

Key Issues Raised

• Reduced Service Quality: Farmers are experiencing more frequent call dropouts, inconsistent connectivity, slow download speeds, and, in some cases, a complete inability to access the internet.
• Loss of Fortuitous Coverage: The shutdown has led to the disappearance of ‘bonus coverage’ areas, creating new blackspots in regions that previously enjoyed reliable service.
• Increased Financial Burden: Farmers have had to invest heavily in expensive boosters, antennas, and software upgrades. Despite these measures, many still struggle with basic connectivity.

Impact on Safety and Productivity

This situation presents serious safety and productivity concerns, particularly during critical periods such as harvest and fire danger seasons. The NFF has documented several specific cases:

1. Scott Loughnan (Muckadilla, QLD): Reports significant post-shutdown issues along the Warrego Highway, affecting communication during grain harvest transport—a critical, time-sensitive operation.
2. Southern NSW Farmer: Despite being in a “guaranteed coverage area,” experiences persistent dropouts. Costs incurred from purchasing cel-fi boosters and upgrading farm equipment range between $10,000 and $20,000 due to the shutdown.
3. Knuth Family (Charters Towers, QLD): Reliable call coverage has plummeted from 90% of their property to just 20%. This has severely impacted both operational efficiency and safety, especially during the calving season when immediate assistance is often required.

Challenges in Seeking Resolutions

Despite the severity of these issues, rural Australians are disillusioned with the prospect of reporting problems to their providers, citing long wait times, unhelpful responses, and suggestions to purchase additional equipment without guaranteeing improved outcomes.

A Call for Accountability

This is not the first major telecommunications transition in Australia, nor will it be the last. However, rural consumers must not be treated as collateral damage in a process designed primarily to benefit urban residents and boost providers’ profits.

The NFF remains committed to holding telecommunications providers accountable throughout this transition. We acknowledge the recent launch of Telstra’s 3G hotline, which represents a positive initial step. Nevertheless, we urge all providers to engage directly with rural communities, listen to their concerns, and implement meaningful solutions.

The current status quo is unacceptable. Rural Australians deserve better, and the NFF will continue to advocate fiercely on their behalf.

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