<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <rss version="2.0"> <channel> <title>Australia Jobs: Find Work &amp; Career Opportunities in Australia</title> <link>https://www.australiajobs.app</link> <description>Discover the latest job opportunities across Australia. Search thousands of full-time and part-time positions, career advice, and employment resources for working in Australia.</description> <lastBuildDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 19:55:47 GMT</lastBuildDate> <docs>https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html</docs> <generator>https://github.com/jpmonette/feed</generator> <language>en</language> <image> <title>Australia Jobs: Find Work &amp; Career Opportunities in Australia</title> <url>https://www.australiajobs.app/images/logo-512.png</url> <link>https://www.australiajobs.app</link> </image> <copyright>All rights reserved 2024, AustraliaJobs.app</copyright> <category>Bitcoin News</category> <item> <title><![CDATA[AI Startup's 'Job-Killing' Boast Sparks Outrage: A Cautionary Tale for Creatives and Tech Ethics]]></title> <link>https://www.australiajobs.app/article/ai-startups-job-killing-boast-sparks-outrage-a-cautionary-tale-for-creatives-and-tech-ethics</link> <guid>ai-startups-job-killing-boast-sparks-outrage-a-cautionary-tale-for-creatives-and-tech-ethics</guid> <pubDate>Sat, 07 Feb 2026 06:56:13 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## The Backlash Against AI Job Loss Claims A recent marketing stunt by AI video startup **Higgsfield.ai** has ignited a firestorm of criticism after the company bragged on social media about **ending over 20 creative jobs** with its AI motion design tools. The post, which has since been deleted, triggered outrage among artists and creators who are already grappling with AI's impact on the creative market. Aharon Rabinowitz, CEO of Motion Management, summed up the sentiment: "Celebrating the end of artists' careers is just super dumb and shortsighted." ## Questionable Marketing and Service Practices This incident is just the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Higgsfield.ai. Online critics have accused the company of: - **Bait-and-switch marketing tactics**, including promises of unlimited access to services like Google's Nano Banana Pro followed by account bans - **Undisclosed review astroturfing** to counter negative feedback - **Predatory billing practices** - **Deceptive, explicit marketing** that some have labeled as "rage bait content" One critic described Higgsfield as "A Company Built on Rage Bait Content, Stolen Likenesses, and Sexual Exploitation." ## Behind the Service: A Wrapper for Third-Party AI Ian Hudson, a UK-based software tester and video maker, explained to The Register that Higgsfield appears to be primarily a wrapper for other services: "It's doing API calls off to Google for Nano Banana and it's using a service called Kling for the video." Hudson detailed several concerning practices: - **Throttled service delivery** that creates the illusion of unlimited access while delivering only a fraction of what users could get by going directly to the underlying AI services - **Arbitrary queue delays** that can stretch to 4-10 hours for a five-minute video - **No-refund policies** that essentially prevent users from getting their money back once they've tested the service ## The Engagement-Bait Strategy Higgsfield's marketing approach appears to rely on **controversial posts designed to generate attention and drama**, followed by deletion to hide evidence. As Hudson noted, "It's childish and it's unprofessional." Internet influencer Robert Scoble suggested this might be a deliberate strategy: "This guy is trying to capture attention in a world where none of us have any." ## Industry Response and Accountability The Register attempted to contact Higgsfield.ai for comment, but messages to their press email bounced, and their support team failed to follow up. Menlo Ventures, one of Higgsfield's investors, also declined to comment when approached. On the company's Discord channel, users have been vocal about their dissatisfaction, with one post stating: "...it is evident that your marketing is deceptive and your service is non-functional." ## The Bigger Picture for Creatives and Tech Ethics This incident highlights several important issues for professionals in creative fields and the broader tech industry: - The **ethical implications of AI tools** that displace human workers - The importance of **transparent marketing** and honest service delivery - The need for **consumer protection** in rapidly evolving tech markets - The responsibility of **venture capital firms** to vet the companies they fund As AI continues to transform creative industries, this case serves as a reminder that **how companies communicate about job displacement matters just as much as the technology itself**.]]></description> <author>contact@australiajobs.app (AustraliaJobs.app)</author> <category>aiethics</category> <category>creativeindustry</category> <category>techcontroversy</category> <category>marketing</category> <category>jobdisplacement</category> <enclosure url="https://regmedia.co.uk/2016/07/18/dumpsterfire.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[AI Job Exposure Revealed: Which Australian Careers Are Most at Risk from Generative AI?]]></title> <link>https://www.australiajobs.app/article/ai-job-exposure-revealed-which-australian-careers-are-most-at-risk-from-generative-ai</link> <guid>ai-job-exposure-revealed-which-australian-careers-are-most-at-risk-from-generative-ai</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:56:20 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## Jobs Most Exposed to Generative AI, According to Microsoft As generative AI tools become more capable, an increasing number of tasks across various occupations are becoming subject to AI automation. To better understand this shift, **Microsoft Research** analyzed the applicability of AI to real-world tasks by studying over 200,000 anonymized conversations with Microsoft Bing Copilot from January to September 2024. This infographic ranks the 40 jobs most exposed to AI, based on Microsoft's analysis of how frequently AI is used for job-related tasks, how successfully it completes them, and how applicable AI is to each role overall. ![Chart showing the jobs most exposed to AI, based on how frequently AI is used for job tasks and how successfully it completes them.](https://www.visualcapitalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jobs_Exposed_to_AI_Part2_Web.webp) ### How Microsoft Measured AI Exposure Microsoft assessed AI exposure using three indicators derived from Copilot usage: - **Coverage:** How frequently tasks associated with a job appear in Copilot conversations - **Completion:** How often Copilot successfully completes those tasks - **Overall AI Applicability Score:** A combined measure of how suitable AI is for supporting or performing tasks in a given role Importantly, a high applicability score does not necessarily imply that a job can be fully automated or displaced. Instead, it shows that a large share of the tasks within a job role can be assisted or successfully completed by generative AI. ### Which Jobs Are Most Exposed to AI? Jobs with high AI applicability scores tend to cover areas where generative AI already performs well, including **language processing, research, summarization, and communication**. **Language-heavy and information-based roles** rank as the most exposed to generative AI, according to Microsoft's recent research. Interpreters, historians, writers, and customer service roles show the highest AI applicability scores. For interpreters and translators, the coverage score of **0.98** shows that tasks related to these roles appear very frequently in Copilot conversations, while the high completion score of **0.88** indicates that AI can successfully handle many of them. As a result, these roles have the highest overall AI applicability score, at **0.49**. Historians and writing-related roles also appear near the top of the ranking. Similarly, AI chat systems already handle many of the tasks seen in customer-facing roles such as sales representatives, customer service agents, telemarketers, and concierges. While creative and communication-based jobs dominate the top of the list, technical roles like **data scientists, web developers, management analysts, and market research analysts** also show moderate to high AI applicability. Interestingly, across all 40 of the most-exposed jobs, the completion score averages **0.87**—showing that AI (in this case, Copilot) is capable of successfully completing most tasks that are assigned to it in conversations. ### AI Exposure Doesn't Mean Job Elimination Many of the most exposed jobs involve judgment, creativity, or human interaction, where AI functions as a complement rather than a substitute. In practice, generative AI is more likely to **increase the productivity** of each worker rather than eliminate entire roles. That said, jobs with repetitive and standardized tasks may see faster transformation as AI tools become more ingrained in daily work. By contrast, roles that require physical effort and on-the-spot human judgment, including machine operators, repair workers, and caregivers, remain far less exposed to AI, since these tasks are still difficult to automate.]]></description> <author>contact@australiajobs.app (AustraliaJobs.app)</author> <category>ai</category> <category>automation</category> <category>career</category> <category>workforce</category> <category>technology</category> <enclosure url="https://www.visualcapitalist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Jobs_Exposed_to_AI_Part2_Share.webp" length="0" type="image/webp"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[AI Recruiting Revolution: How Australian HR Teams Are Using AI to Find Hidden Talent in a Flood of Applications]]></title> <link>https://www.australiajobs.app/article/ai-recruiting-revolution-how-australian-hr-teams-are-using-ai-to-find-hidden-talent-in-a-flood-of-applications</link> <guid>ai-recruiting-revolution-how-australian-hr-teams-are-using-ai-to-find-hidden-talent-in-a-flood-of-applications</guid> <pubDate>Fri, 06 Feb 2026 06:56:12 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## The AI Recruiting Revolution in Australia Artificial intelligence tools have become a **strategic necessity** for many recruiters in Australia as they face a surge in job applications, according to a new report from LinkedIn. Recruiters are calling AI tools a **career lifeline**, with **44%** saying they could not perform their role without this technology. Another **74%** reported that AI has fundamentally changed how their organization approaches hiring. "We are seeing a fundamental shift where AI is no longer just a productivity tool, but a strategic necessity," said Adam Gregory, senior director, ANZ, LinkedIn Talent and Learning Solutions. ## How AI Is Transforming Talent Discovery The findings come as LinkedIn data reveals that applications per open role in Australia have nearly **doubled (1.9x)** since early 2022. Despite this flood of applicants, **77%** of employers admit that finding qualified talent is harder now than it was a year ago. This is where AI enters the picture. According to the report: - **64%** of recruiters said AI helps them uncover candidates with skills they would never have found before - **61%** said the technology helps them discover **"hidden gems"** that might have been missed in the application surge "It's helping recruiters cut through the noise to surface candidates with the right skills who might have previously been lost in the sea of applications," Gregory explained. ## AI's Growing Role in Interview Processes AI is also gaining significant ground in job interviews, bringing **consistency and speed** to early screening stages. The report found: - **76%** of recruiters said using AI in interviews saves time, allowing them to focus on more meaningful conversations with pre-screened candidates - **72%** reported that AI helps standardize interviews and **remove bias** from the process The results speak for themselves: **63%** of recruiters said they are filling roles faster than ever, while **70%** noted that AI's streamlining of initial interview screenings helps teams move more quickly. "By handling the heavy lifting of screening and shortlisting, coupled with human oversight, AI is actually making hiring more human," Gregory said. "This allows recruiters to get away from their desks and focus on the high-value conversations that secure top talent."]]></description> <author>contact@australiajobs.app (AustraliaJobs.app)</author> <category>ai</category> <category>recruitment</category> <category>hiring</category> <category>australia</category> <category>hr</category> <enclosure url="https://cdn-res.keymedia.com/cms/images/us/037/0365_639059483928765916.png" length="0" type="image/png"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[US Job Market Hits 5-Year Low: What This Means for Australia's Employment Landscape]]></title> <link>https://www.australiajobs.app/article/us-job-market-hits-5-year-low-what-this-means-for-australias-employment-landscape</link> <guid>us-job-market-hits-5-year-low-what-this-means-for-australias-employment-landscape</guid> <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:56:11 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[## US Job Openings Drop to Lowest Level Since 2020 Recent data reveals that **US job openings plummeted to their lowest point in over five years** in December 2025, signaling a significant softening in labor market conditions as the year concluded. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), job openings decreased by 386,000 to **6.542 million** by the end of December—the lowest figure since September 2020. ### Revised Data and Economic Forecasts November's data was revised downward, showing **6.928 million job openings** instead of the previously reported 7.146 million. This revision came as economists, polled by Reuters, had forecast 7.20 million unfilled jobs. Despite the decline in openings, hiring saw a modest increase of 172,000 positions, reaching **5.293 million** in December. ### Unemployment Claims and Market Stability Concurrently, there was a larger-than-expected rise in Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits last week. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits jumped by 22,000 to a seasonally adjusted **231,000** for the week ended January 31, 2026—the largest increase since early December. Economists had predicted 212,000 claims. Carl Weinberg, chief economist at High Frequency Economics, noted, "**There is no sign of the kind of layoffs we expect to see in a weakening labor market during the early days of a recession.** The level of claims is just very low and well within the recent range over the last two years." ### Factors Influencing the Data The surge in jobless claims is attributed to several factors: - **Distortions from snowstorms** across much of the country in late January. - **Normalization after volatility** linked to difficulties adjusting data for seasonal fluctuations around the holiday season and year-end. - Heavy snow and freezing temperatures temporarily left some people unemployed, with claims spiking in states like Pennsylvania, New York, and Illinois. ### Labor Market in 'Low Hire, Low Fire' Mode Despite these fluctuations, the labor market remains in what economists describe as a **'low hire, low fire' mode**, indicating stability without significant layoffs or hiring spikes. However, the most accurate snapshot of the jobs market, typically provided by Friday's job report, has been delayed due to the US government's latest shutdown. This data highlights the interconnectedness of global labor markets and offers insights for Australian job seekers and employers monitoring international trends.]]></description> <author>contact@australiajobs.app (AustraliaJobs.app)</author> <category>jobopenings</category> <category>unemployment</category> <category>labormarket</category> <category>economicdata</category> <category>usjobs</category> <enclosure url="https://i.guim.co.uk/img/media/ab95f4fe6dedabbe61761acc58a9f625711a9ca0/0_0_5555_4445/master/5555.jpg?width=1200&height=630&quality=85&auto=format&fit=crop&precrop=40:21,offset-x50,offset-y0&overlay-align=bottom%2Cleft&overlay-width=100p&overlay-base64=L2ltZy9zdGF0aWMvb3ZlcmxheXMvdGctZGVmYXVsdC5wbmc&enable=upscale&s=fd43639e72eaa2012fefba8b15f4a41b" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Pacific Islander Workers in Australia: Success Stories and Exploitation Concerns in PALM Scheme]]></title> <link>https://www.australiajobs.app/article/pacific-islander-workers-in-australia-success-stories-and-exploitation-concerns-in-palm-scheme</link> <guid>pacific-islander-workers-in-australia-success-stories-and-exploitation-concerns-in-palm-scheme</guid> <pubDate>Wed, 04 Feb 2026 23:56:20 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[Working on a wholesale nursery in Australia's food bowl has helped Gabriel Pama set his family in the Solomon Islands up for life. "It's amazing. When I come and work here, I send money to my children, my wife, and help my siblings," he said. ![Gabriel Pama first came to Australia under the PALM scheme in 2020.](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/562e3cead723b559c78a9b5c28a2710d?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=2588&cropW=3882&xPos=8&yPos=0&width=862&height=575) Employed under the **Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme**, Mr Pama has been working at Mossmont Nurseries, near Griffith, New South Wales, since 2020. His employer, Jonathan Moss, said the scheme was brilliant, offering up a "win-win". "We obviously pay them the Australian award wage, and they take that money, and they build houses, buy cars and start businesses back home," he said. ![PALM scheme workers harvesting bare-rooted trees at Mossmont Nurseries.](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/bcf968660fd3d21031837242886f08d8?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=2574&cropW=3861&xPos=8&yPos=0&width=862&height=575) For Mr Pama, this rings true. He pays for his five children to go to school, has set up a small business, and built homes for his family. But some of his friends on the scheme have not been as lucky. > "In Queensland and other places, they always say, 'Oh, we share a room with six people, and they have complaints,'" he said. Their complaints echo the findings of a new report titled **Improving PALM**, commissioned by the Scanlon Foundation Research Institute. It highlights issues around **exploitation, lack of basic rights and policy shortfalls** that need to be addressed in order to improve the scheme. "The key issues are around the exploitation of workers by some employers and fixing the structural problem of workers being tied to one employer," said Peter Mares, the report's author. ![PALM scheme workers unloading bare-rooted trees in the packing shed at Mossmont Nurseries.](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/55e631eaeb500742ba5977f3cb7a641b?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=2639&cropW=3959&xPos=8&yPos=0&width=862&height=575) ## Persistent Problems Mr Mares spent several months researching and interviewing those involved with the scheme — including employees, employers, country liaison officers, volunteers, unions, and academics. > "I didn't speak to anyone deeply engaged in the scheme who thought it was a bad idea, who wanted to scrap the scheme," he said. He did however find problems that must be addressed and made **10 recommendations** to improve it. "I think the most important reform is to give PALM workers themselves greater agency, and that means to give them a greater right to make it easier for them to change jobs within Australia," he said. ![Peter Mares is an independent writer and researcher.](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/a07f41dffdb84f380408ecf08b36bfbc?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=2688&cropW=4032&xPos=0&yPos=168&width=862&height=575) PALM scheme visas tie workers to their approved employer, which Mr Mares said left them with few choices if they are ill-treated or underpaid. "Most [PALM employers] are very good, but as an employee, a PALM worker should not have to rely on the luck of getting a good boss to be well treated in Australia," he said. ![Some workers don't speak up about poor conditions because they fear that they may be sent home.](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/9db6f08a12325cf9341ce726bb32e6a8?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=2944&cropW=4416&xPos=0&yPos=0&width=862&height=575) Mr Mares also called for **regulation of labour hire at the national level**, simplifying PALM scheme rules for employers. Workers should also have access to **Medicare**, he said. "PALM workers don't have access to Medicare, and this results in them putting off getting medical attention when they might have an illness that needs treatment," he said. "They do have private health insurance, but it doesn't cover them for GP visits." A spokesperson for the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations said the department was aware of Mr Mares' report. They pointed out that PALM workers could already transfer to another approved employer if concerns about accommodation, available hours or wellbeing arose. ## Triple-Win The PALM scheme employs about **32,000 workers** from nine Pacific countries and Timor-Leste to fill crucial gaps in agriculture, meat processing, and aged care. ![Map of PALM scheme sending countries](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/f21630d990defe98bd4f5e6aeb5aedaf?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=1401&cropW=2102&xPos=0&yPos=28&width=862&height=575) Despite his recommendations, Mr Mares said the scheme provided benefits to all parties. "Everyone thinks the PALM scheme is a good idea," he said. "[It provides] income for Pacific Islanders from developing countries, jobs filled for Australian employers who have trouble attracting labour, and the advantage to Australia of improving our diplomatic relations in the Pacific, where we are in a strategic rivalry with China." ![PALM scheme workers from the Pacific playing rugby](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/e9ad34fa660309f6bb2609a93a589e8e?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=2016&cropW=3024&xPos=0&yPos=1094&width=862&height=575) Jonathan Moss, Mr Pama's boss, also considers himself a "massive defender" of the scheme. He said 90 per cent of his workforce were PALM workers. "When you're dealing with a live product that needs to be picked or packed or worked on today, not tomorrow, not yesterday, you need reliability, and that's what the PALM scheme has created," he said. ![Jonathan Moss is a wholesale nursery grower based in Griffith, New South Wales.](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/3a8dddf29f3ec87d53e3a8e0d03cbc85?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=2442&cropW=3663&xPos=8&yPos=0&width=862&height=575) But the scheme has come under significant criticism, putting its participants in danger of exploitation. "There's a few bad apples that do impact on the reputation of the scheme, and we're really committed to weeding them out," said Pat Conroy, the minister for Pacific Island Affairs. ## Fulfilling Potential Reports of workers experiencing **abuse, underpayment, and living in overcrowded accommodation** have dogged the scheme. Mr Moss said whilst the scheme is well-regulated, it could benefit from some "fine-tuning". He said he would like to see the scheme improve workers' ability to move around and help them stay engaged. > "When PALM employees disengage from the program, that's when I find that they're at risk of really losing contact with their community," he said. ![Drone image of Griffith](https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/da5960f1ddfe97a320b568a8171e4092?impolicy=wcms_crop_resize&cropH=861&cropW=1292&xPos=123&yPos=0&width=862&height=575) Mr Pama hopes to remain in the scheme for another decade, while he has the strength to work, before establishing a nursery in his village. "I learned some skills here that if I go back to my community, then I will try to do that skill, apply that skill to the community, maybe the community will benefit as well," he said.]]></description> <author>contact@australiajobs.app (AustraliaJobs.app)</author> <category>palmscheme</category> <category>pacificworkers</category> <category>workplacerights</category> <category>labourmobility</category> <category>exploitation</category> <enclosure url="https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/76924cfe87f0d98ad17806000b393aab?impolicy=wcms_watermark_news&cropH=2484&cropW=4416&xPos=0&yPos=306&width=862&height=485&imformat=generic" length="0" type="image//76924cfe87f0d98ad17806000b393aab"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[KPMG Cuts 200 Australian Jobs and Moves Roles Offshore: What It Means for Local Workers]]></title> <link>https://www.australiajobs.app/article/kpmg-cuts-200-australian-jobs-and-moves-roles-offshore-what-it-means-for-local-workers</link> <guid>kpmg-cuts-200-australian-jobs-and-moves-roles-offshore-what-it-means-for-local-workers</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 23:56:14 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[# KPMG to Slash 200 Australian Jobs and Send Roles Offshore Big four accounting and consultancy firm **KPMG** is set to cut nearly **200 employees** from its local workforce in Australia, with plans to move these jobs **offshore**. This move highlights a growing trend in the corporate sector where companies are restructuring to reduce costs by relocating roles to other countries. ## Impact on the Australian Workforce The job cuts are expected to affect various positions within KPMG's operations, raising concerns about **job security** and the future of employment in the professional services industry. This decision comes amid broader economic pressures and a shift towards **global outsourcing** strategies. ## Why This Matters for Job Seekers For those in the accounting and consultancy fields, this development underscores the importance of **adapting to changing market dynamics**. It's a reminder to stay updated on industry trends and consider **upskilling** in areas that are less likely to be outsourced, such as roles requiring local expertise or advanced technical skills. ## Broader Implications This move by KPMG could signal similar actions by other major firms, potentially leading to more **job losses** in Australia's professional sector. It also raises questions about the long-term effects on the **local economy** and the need for policies to support displaced workers. ## What You Can Do If you're affected or concerned about such trends, focus on **building transferable skills**, networking within your industry, and exploring opportunities in growing sectors. Staying informed about company announcements and market shifts can help you navigate these challenges effectively. ![KPMG Office](https://example.com/kpmg-office.jpg) *Note: The original article included promotional content for a subscription service, which has been omitted as it's not relevant to the job-related news.*]]></description> <author>contact@australiajobs.app (AustraliaJobs.app)</author> <category>kpmg</category> <category>jobcuts</category> <category>offshoring</category> <category>accounting</category> <category>consultancy</category> <enclosure url="https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-21523554/d35fdf30e34a278f07550e8a627b20a8583034a7-16x9-x256y766w1171h659.jpg?imwidth=1200" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> <item> <title><![CDATA[Bangladesh's Election Promises: Can Parties Deliver Jobs and Economic Relief to Youth?]]></title> <link>https://www.australiajobs.app/article/bangladeshs-election-promises-can-parties-deliver-jobs-and-economic-relief-to-youth</link> <guid>bangladeshs-election-promises-can-parties-deliver-jobs-and-economic-relief-to-youth</guid> <pubDate>Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:56:11 GMT</pubDate> <description><![CDATA[With Bangladesh's election approaching, political parties are making bold promises to woo young voters, but analysts question whether these pledges can be realistically delivered amid economic challenges. ## **Youth Unemployment and Election Promises** Mohaiminul Rafi, 27, has spent years preparing for civil service exams, seeking what he calls **"the most reliable route to a secure life"**: a government job. As election campaigning intensifies, he hears promises of **cash support, interest-free loans for the jobless, and sweeping job-creation targets**. Rafi, who joined the 2024 protests over unfair job reservation systems, says, **"What matters more is a healthy job market and recruitment on merit."** Bangladesh faces significant economic hurdles: growth has slowed to 4-5% in recent years from over 8% pre-pandemic, while inflation remains high, squeezing purchasing power. Private investment is stagnant at 22-23% of GDP, and the **tax-to-GDP ratio is under 7%**, far below the 15% many economists recommend for sustainable public services. Hossain Zillur Rahman, an economist, notes that while the interim administration brought some stability, it has been **"extraordinarily inattentive to economic distress at the household level"** and failed to boost business confidence. **"Bangladesh urgently needs a restart,"** he says, but warns the election is unlikely to produce dramatic improvements. ![People buy groceries from a government-subsidised Open Market Sales point in Dhaka, Bangladesh, November 11, 2024 [Mohammad Ponir Hossain/ Reuters]](https://example.com/image1.jpg) ## **Competing Promises from Major Parties** The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami are offering a range of pledges to address voter anxieties. The **BNP's flagship pledge is a "family card"** providing 2,000-2,500 taka ($16-$20) monthly to 4 million households, either as cash or essentials. This would cost about 1.2 trillion taka ($9.8 billion) annually, nearly doubling current social protection spending. Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury of the BNP says the party plans to invest in **health, education, and upskilling**, while supporting artisans and small industries with credit and market access. Economists like Towfiqul Islam Khan caution that **ensuring quality social security requires more than 2% of GDP**, and delivery must avoid leakage and target the right groups. Jamaat-e-Islami proposes a **"smart social security card"** linking National ID, health access, taxation, and safety services. Mokarram Hossain, a Swansea University professor involved in the plan, emphasizes **"good governance, zero tolerance to corruption, and efficiency gains"** rather than token cash handouts. Asif Shahan, a Dhaka University professor, explains that simplified messages like **"family card"** resonate more with voters than detailed blueprints, but people are watching to see if benefits are distributed fairly. ![Garment workers come out of a factory during their lunch break in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 6, 2021 [Mohammad Ponir Hossain/ Reuters]](https://example.com/image2.jpg) ## **Jobs, Education, and Youth-Focused Policies** Both parties are targeting young voters, who make up about one-third of the electorate. Government data shows **unemployment among college-educated people at 13.5%**, with 885,000 graduates jobless. Overall unemployment is 4.63%, affecting 2.7 million people. The BNP pledges to **create 10 million jobs within 18 months**, provide financial support to the educated unemployed, and ensure merit-based government recruitment. It also aims to boost the digital economy with **800,000 IT jobs** and introduce international payment gateways like PayPal to support freelancers. Jamaat-e-Islami focuses on training and placement, promising to **train 10 million youth within five years**, establish youth tech labs in every sub-district, and create district-level job banks. It also offers **interest-free loans of up to 10,000 taka ($80) monthly for unemployed graduates**, though these must be repaid. Economists say delivering these job promises requires **sustained GDP growth of 8-10%** and a surge in investment. Rahman is skeptical of interest-free loans, calling them **"populist measures without much proven impact"** and stressing the need for actual employment opportunities. Education proposals include the BNP's **"one teacher, one tab" initiative** to provide tablets to teachers, expand vocational education, and introduce third-language learning. Jamaat offers **interest-free education loans and support for studying at top global universities**, though Rahman warns of the burden of student loans. ![Tangled network cables hang in front of the Dhaka Stock Exchange building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 19, 2023 [Mohammad Ponir Hossain/ Reuters]](https://example.com/image3.jpg) ## **Economic Challenges and Feasibility** Jamaat proposes cutting corporate tax to 19% and VAT to 10%, while the BNP promises business-friendly reforms. Hossain estimates that tightening tax collection could recover 1.05-2 trillion taka ($8.5-$16.4 billion) to fund promises without expanding the budget. However, Khan emphasizes the need for a broader revenue system overhaul to boost investment. In other sectors, Jamaat pledges to **freeze industrial utility tariffs for three years** and reopen closed factories with worker ownership. The BNP proposes a **"farmer card" for subsidies and easier loans**, while Jamaat offers interest-free loans for small farmers. Both parties also outline health initiatives, such as recruiting healthcare workers and providing free care for certain groups. Rahman notes that **freezing utility tariffs has merit**, but warns that agriculture and health promises face issues of leakage and mistargeting. Ultimately, he says, the contest is about whether a new government can deliver without straining the economy. Rafi sums it up: **"Promises come easily, but if the culture of extortions and bribes doesn't disappear, then we're back where we started."**]]></description> <author>contact@australiajobs.app (AustraliaJobs.app)</author> <category>bangladesh</category> <category>election</category> <category>youthunemployment</category> <category>economicpolicy</category> <category>jobpromises</category> <enclosure url="https://www.aljazeera.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-01-27T112213Z_309515006_RC2N9JAYA5PS_RTRMADP_3_BANGLADESH-ELECTION-1770085368.jpg?resize=1920%2C1440" length="0" type="image/jpg"/> </item> </channel> </rss>