South West Sydney Employment Update | Western Sydney Airport Jobs 2026

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The ‘Hours Gap’: Why South West Workers are Looking for More

SOUTH WEST SYDNEY – While the headline economic figures suggest a stable job market nationally, a deeper dive into new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data reveals a “hidden” struggle for workers across the South West. The struggle for hours, or at least enough hours is a conversation in many SW households right now. This is particularly relevant considering the ongoing developments in south west sydney employment.

According to the Labour Underutilisation report (6246.0) released on July 3, the standard unemployment rate in New South Wales sits at a modest 4.3%. However, for the families of Liverpool, Campbelltown, and Fairfield, the real story lies in what the ABS calls “Underutilisation.”

The Hidden Struggle

The data shows that the Underutilisation Rate—which combines those with no job and those who have a job but are desperate for more hours—is more than double the unemployment rate, sitting at 9.7% for NSW.

Even more concerning for the South West’s diverse population is the Extended Underutilisation (Level 4) rate, which has climbed to 18.6% statewide. This metric includes “discouraged” workers and those with family or caring commitments who want to work but face barriers to starting immediately.

For a region like South West Sydney, which serves as a hub for multi-generational households and young families, this nearly 20% figure represents a massive pool of local talent that is currently being left on the sidelines.

Youth at the Crossroads

The statistics are particularly stark for the region’s younger residents. Nationally, youth underutilisation (ages 15–24) has hit 21.7%. In a region with one of the youngest demographics in the state, this means roughly one in five young locals are struggling to find the hours they need to combat the rising cost of living.

A Beacon of Hope: The Airport and Beyond

Despite the sobering data, the “story” of South West Sydney is about to enter a transformative new chapter. The timing of this ABS release comes just as the region prepares for its biggest economic catalyst in decades.

With the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport scheduled to take off in just a few weeks, the “hours gap” may soon begin to close. The airport is not just a runway; it is the heart of a burgeoning “Aerotropolis” that is already attracting global logistics giants and high-tech manufacturing.

In the last months alone, a wave of new warehouses and commercial hubs have called the South West home. These developments represent more than just bricks and mortar—they represent:

  • Local Jobs for Local People: Reducing the grueling two-hour commute to the CBD.
  • Diverse Roles: From high-end aviation engineering to 24/7 logistics and hospitality.
  • Secure Hours: A shift from the “gig” economy and casual underemployment toward stable, full-time career paths.

Looking Ahead

While the July 3 ABS data highlights a period of “labour slack,” local leaders remain optimistic. The influx of infrastructure and the imminent opening of the airport offer a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between the 18.6% of people looking for work and the thousands of new shifts being created in our own backyard.

For the people of South West Sydney, the message from the data is clear: the desire to work is there. Now, with the airport on the horizon, the opportunity is finally arriving. We hope that the business leaders and Councils are poised to take advantage of these opportunities for residents and local communities across Fairfield and Liverpool.

If your considering selling your property in the area please contact me on 0422 333 333 or by email bj@gregory.agency

Data Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (abs.gov.au), Labour Under-utilisation, Australia, Table U1-U4, Released July 3, 2026.

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