Australian job vacancies declined again in the three months to August 2026. As per data shared by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and released on 1 October 2026, the number of job vacancies fell to 325,000, down by 3,000 positions, or 0.9%, over the quarter.

The latest decline followed a 2.2% fall in the previous three-month period. Over the year, job vacancies were 1.3% lower.

The August figures showed different trends across industries and sectors, with private-sector vacancies declining while public-sector vacancies increased.

Private Sector Vacancies Decline

Job vacancies in the private sector decreased by 2.0%, equivalent to a fall of 5,800 vacancies, in the three months to August 2026.

The decline was concentrated in business goods and services-related roles. This was partly offset by higher vacancies in customer-facing industries, including Retail trade.

At the same time, public-sector job vacancies increased by 7.8%, or 2,800 vacancies, over the quarter.

The contrasting movements meant the overall number of job vacancies still declined despite the increase in public-sector opportunities.

Wholesale Trade Records Largest Fall

Wholesale trade recorded the largest quarterly percentage decline in job vacancies, falling 18.0%.

Professional, scientific and technical services followed with a 17.3% decline.

These falls contributed to the broader reduction in vacancies during the quarter, particularly across industries associated with business services and related activity.

By comparison, several customer-facing and financial sectors recorded increases.

Retail trade posted the largest percentage rise, with job vacancies increasing 24.5%.

Financial and insurance services recorded the second-largest increase, rising 14.1% during the quarter.

Vacancies Fall Across Most States and Territories

Job vacancies declined in five of the eight states and territories over the three months to August.

The Australian Capital Territory recorded the largest percentage decline, with vacancies falling 21.9%.

The Northern Territory followed with a decline of 8.0%.

Among the areas recording increases, South Australia had the largest rise, with job vacancies increasing 5.8%.

Victoria also recorded growth, with vacancies rising 1.4% over the period.

The state and territory figures therefore showed mixed labour demand conditions across different parts of the country.

Overall Vacancies Continue to Ease

The latest data showed that the number of available positions continued to edge lower after the decline recorded in the previous three-month period.

Job vacancies fell by 0.9% in the August quarter after declining 2.2% previously, while the annual comparison showed a 1.3% reduction.

Private-sector vacancies accounted for the main fall, while the public sector recorded growth.

Industry movements were also uneven. Wholesale trade and professional, scientific and technical services reported the largest percentage declines, while Retail trade and Financial and insurance services recorded the strongest increases.

Key Takeaway

Australian job vacancies fell to 325,000 in August 2026, declining 0.9% over the three-month period and 1.3% over the year.

Private-sector vacancies fell by 5,800, while public-sector vacancies increased by 2,800.

Wholesale trade recorded the largest industry decline, while Retail trade posted the strongest increase. Across states and territories, the Australian Capital Territory recorded the largest fall, while South Australia had the largest rise.