UPDATE: A shocking new report from Anglicare Australia reveals that an astonishing 39 jobseekers are competing for every entry-level job in Australia, highlighting a severe crisis in the job market. Released today, the Jobs Availability Snapshot 2025 paints a grim picture for the nation’s most vulnerable workers, with entry-level positions plummeting to their lowest share in a decade.
The report shows that 11 percent of all job vacancies are now entry-level roles, down from previous years, leaving older Australians, people with disabilities, and those without formal qualifications struggling for opportunities. This unprecedented job market mismatch is forcing many of them to compete for roles that simply do not exist.
Anglicare Australia’s executive director, Kasy Chambers, emphasizes the urgent need for reform, stating, “These are older Australians, people with disabilities, or people who didn’t finish school. They are looking for jobs they can actually do, but those jobs are disappearing.” The findings mark the highest competition ratio in the report’s history, with 25 out of 39 jobseekers facing significant barriers to employment.
Chambers criticized the current employment services model, which has remained unchanged for over two decades, arguing that it punishes jobseekers while prioritizing profits for private providers. “Billions in taxpayer funding is being poured into a system more focused on compliance than results,” she lamented.
The report highlights the urgent need for a system that supports rather than hinders jobseekers. “What they need is a fair go and a system that helps, not hinders, their efforts,” Chambers asserted. She called for an overhaul of the current model and urged the government to increase Centrelink payments, arguing that no one should be forced into poverty when suitable jobs are scarce.
Chambers concluded with a powerful message: “When people are given real opportunities and a fair income, they seize them.” As Australia grapples with this escalating job crisis, the need for immediate action has never been clearer.
With job vacancies dwindling and competition skyrocketing, the future looks increasingly bleak for those relying on entry-level positions. The government and employment agencies must act swiftly to address these alarming trends and provide genuine support for the nation’s most vulnerable jobseekers.
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on policymakers to implement changes that create real opportunities and foster an inclusive job market. Stay tuned for updates on this critical issue affecting millions across Australia.
