Latest unemployment figures released | SBS News in Easy English 15 October 2026

A five minute bulletin for English language learners Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts . TRANSCRIPT: Australia's unemployment rate hits 4.7 per cent, with 39-thousand jobs lost in September. The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show the number of unemployed people rose by nine thousand.

The proportion of Australians in work also fell, while the underemployment rate edged up to 6.3 per cent. But the ABS says its trend unemployment rate remained steady at 4.6 per cent, suggesting the underlying labour market is holding up better than the headline figures. It comes amid fears the Reserve Bank of Australia could raise interest rates once again next month.

New research from the Committee for Economic Development of Australia shows rising prices and interest rates have wiped out earlier improvements. The report warns its economic misery index will remain well above recent historical averages until at least the end of 2028. CEDA's Head of Economics, Liam Dillon, says the relief households had been experiencing has been reversed.

"Since then though what we've seen is that inflation has been a little bit more persistent than we had hoped. That's led the Reserve Bank to increase interest rates to 15 year highs. And so the combination of those things means that the progress on lowering that economic misery has been completely reversed, and we're back at 2023 levels." A bill to ban the shackling of women during childbirth in prison is facing defeat in the Senate.

Labor and Coalition senators have recommended the legislation be rejected, arguing the issue should be handled by states and territories. Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe is also pushing for a ban on strip-searching children in detention. Speaking at Parliament House in Canberra this morning, she's demanding federal action to end both practices.

"Now we saw yesterday the government handballing this responsibility to the states and territories. However, we do have the constitutional power at the federal level to set minimum standards and be in line with other countries in the world to end these barbaric practices." The Kangaroos begin their Rugby League World Cup campaign tonight taking on arch-rivals New Zealand in Sydney.

Australia is looking to defend its world title, with coach Kevin Walters naming a side featuring several new faces. Parramatta's Mitchell Moses has won the race for the number seven jersey ahead of premiership-winning Roosters halfback Sam Walker. He says the competition for places is fierce.

"You never know when it's going to be the last time you pull it on. So a lot of pride, a lot of passion there, and I'm really excited for me to get this chance, and Kevy gave me the nod. It's exciting, but we've got a lot of quality stars around here, and everyone will get their chance, I guess.

Kevy's been pretty clear with that."