Australia’s job market is changing. Unemployment sits at 4.2 percent, yet many people remain outside the workforce entirely. These disengaged Australians are not studying, not training, and not working. The government has launched a plan to change that. With 2 million new jobs forecast in the next decade, the timing matters.
Who Are the Disengaged?
Disengaged workers are not captured in standard job numbers. They include young Australians under 24 who are neither in school nor training. In low-income families, one in three falls into this group. In high-income households, it is only one in 15.
Another group is older women. Many leave the workforce to care for children or relatives. Returning is difficult when skills feel outdated or support is missing.
Where New Jobs Will Be
The government expects 950,000 new jobs in five years and nearly 2 million in ten years. Most will come from growing industries such as:
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Renewable energy
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Construction
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Advanced manufacturing
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Information technology
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The care economy
These sectors need workers. However, without strong training pipelines, disengaged Australians will struggle to access these opportunities.
Barriers Holding People Back
Job creation is only part of the answer. Many disengaged Australians face deep barriers. For example, older women often cannot find affordable childcare. Young people struggle with confidence and limited experience. In addition, the cost and access to re-skilling remain major obstacles.
As a result, many risk being excluded from growth industries despite the demand for staff. That outcome would weaken Australia’s future workforce.
What Must Change
The government has promised a more flexible employment system. This would mean:
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Easier access to training and reskilling
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Recognition of non-traditional experience, such as caregiving
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Stronger links between education and industry
If delivered, these supports would allow disengaged Australians to return to work and build lasting careers.
Why It Matters Now
Re-engaging disengaged workers is about more than filling vacancies. It strengthens the economy, reduces inequality, and builds social wellbeing. With millions of jobs on the horizon, Australia cannot afford to waste potential.
The sooner training, flexibility, and support are in place, the sooner disengaged Australians can step into new roles. Acting now could reshape the workforce for the next generation.
