Not moving jobs, states or starting businesses: Data says Australians are stuck
Economic data indicates that Australians are increasingly reluctant to change jobs, start businesses, or relocate. This trend is attributed to factors such as job security, rising housing costs, and the impact of artificial intelligence. The shift towards traditional employment is evident, with self-employment rates declining significantly over the past two decades.
- ▪Job mobility in Australia has fallen to just 7.7 percent, down from nearly 20 percent in 1989.
- ▪The attractiveness of traditional employment has increased due to benefits like superannuation and paid leave.
- ▪Self-employment has dropped to a 20-year low, with fewer Australians choosing to start their own businesses.
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Australians are increasingly staying put when it comes to jobs and housing, economic data suggestsBy business reporter Daniel ZifferTopic:Economic Trends and IndicatorsMon 25 May 2026 at 4:48amMon 25 May 2026 at 4:48amMon 25 May 2026 at 4:48amKate McCready has worked for big companies and herself. She worries workers are in for trouble ahead after decades of consistent economic growth. abc.net.au/news/not-moving-jobs-not-starting-businesses-not-moving-states-data/106599004Link copiedShareShare articleNot switching jobs. Not starting businesses.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).