Why this photo exposes the grim reality of finding a job in Australia: 'I can't believe it'
The woman filmed herself standing in the line that stretched for metres outside a Subway in Melbourne on Saturday.
The young woman questioned whether it was worth sticking around for the interview after discovering the number of people who were in line ahead of her.
'Look at how many unemployed people are here, and they are all waiting to go to a job interview at Subway,' she said in a TikTok.
'I can't believe there are so many people here.'
Australia's unemployment rate has worsened recently, with cities like Melbourne and Sydney experiencing their worst job markets since late 2021.
Despite the unlikely prospects of landing a job, the woman decided to stay in line as she was desperate just like everybody else.
'No chances here, but maybe I'll stay,' she said.
Social media users were not surprised to see the length of the interview line.
'Now you can start to understand what it feels like for those of us who've lived here our whole lives,' one wrote.
'We're not only struggling, but now we have to compete for basic opportunities. It's becoming incredibly tough for everyday Aussies.'
'It's just what big companies and the government wanted, so wages can go even lower,' a second said.
'Our government is cooked, we are overpopulated - what do people expect,' a third added.
The unemployment rate reached 4.3 per cent in June, which was the highest since November 2021, as states and cities emerged from Covid lockdowns.
The number of full-time jobs fell by 38,000, while 40,000 part-time jobs were created in June, signalling a sharp drop in working hours.
Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox said the private sector's weakening demand for labour is the cause of this crisis.
'A rise in unemployment to its highest level since the pandemic points to the impact that our weak private sector is having on the labour market,' he said.
'With the private sector accounting for two-thirds of employment in Australia, it was inevitable that its sustained weakness would eventually spill over to the broader labour market.
'It appears this problem is now coming home to roost.'
Unemployment was higher than average in NSW and Victoria, where migrant numbers are highest.
'Excessive migration has played a significant role in pummelling Australia's economic productivity,' Institute of Public Affairs deputy executive director Daniel Wild said.
The latest jobless data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics is also worse than the RBA was forecasting in its May statement on monetary policy, with the 4.3 per cent figure slightly higher than the 4.2 per cent level it had predicted.
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