Survey: 1.7m Australians want more work

New government figures have suggested that there are currently 1.7 million Australians who would either like a job or more hours but are unable to see these desires fulfilled.

The survey by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) found that of these, 1.4 million are currently unemployed and would like to work, but cannot due to childcare commitments, cost and availability, among other reasons.

Furthermore, about 273,000 respondents said that they were currently in a part-time role involving fewer than 16 hours a week, but would like to work for longer.

In total, just 512,000 of those expressing a desire for more work are actually looking for a job or for a new position with more fitting hours.

Earlier this month, the ABS released figures suggesting that total employment in Australia reached a figure of 10.6 million in November, with part-time placements seeing the biggest rise.