Australia's unemployment rate jumped unexpectedly in August, with almost 10,000 jobs lost.
Bureau of Statistics figures show a total of 9,700 jobs were lost last month, sending the unemployment rate up to 5.3%.
Economists had predicted 10,000 jobs were likely to have been created and had expected the jobless rate to stay steady at 5.1%.
The ABC reports the loss of 12,600 full-time roles was only slightly countered by the addition of 2900 part-time positions.
The participation rate, or number of people in work or looking for a job, remained steady at 65.6%.
Jobs and Skills Minister Chris Evans says the unexpected jump shows the patchwork nature of the economy.
Queensland recorded the biggest jump in unemployment.