Rising fuel prices in Australia are straining workers across multiple sectors, particularly home-care workers who must cover travel costs and are effectively losing income. Unions warn this could worsen labor shortages as workers cut hours or leave jobs, especially in essential care services. Farmers, construction workers, and waste services are also facing higher operating costs, leading to reduced activity and delayed hiring.
See "Older Australians in ‘immediate danger’ as fuel crisis affects travel for aged care workers", Josh Butler, The Guardian, April 1, 2026