Australian unemployment posted a surprise rise to 5.3 per cent in July, official data showed yesterdayy, denting the government’s economic record just nine days from national elections.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics said 24,600 more people were out of work in July, seasonally adjusted, raising the unemployment rate by 0.2 percentage points. Analysts had forecast no change from the June figure.

Australia’s centre-left Labour government has played heavily on its economic record in campaigning for August 21 polls, after the resource-rich country escaped recession during the financial crisis.

Experts said the unexpected rise may be partly explained by revised population figures, and increased the prospect that the central bank would leave interest rates on hold at 4.5 per cent next month.

Opinion polls give Labour a narrow lead over the conservative, business-friendly opposition, which accuses the government of not using taxpayers’ money wisely.