Unemployment rate holds steady as Australian employers add 72,000 full-time jobs

Australian labour market has been relatively robust amid the record run of 10 consecutive interest rate rises by the Reserve Bank, with the March unemployment rate holding at 3.5%. Photograph: Paul Braven/AAP

Australia’s jobless rate held steady last month, with employers adding more than 72,000 full-time positions in the latest sign of resilience in the Australian economy.

The country’s unemployment rate for March was 3.5%, seasonally adjusted, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said on Thursday. Taking into account the drop of part-time roles of just over 19,200, the net jobs gain last month was 53,000.