Household Spending Up Slightly In August: Australia

Household spending rose 0.1 per cent in August, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

This follows rises of 0.4 per cent in July and 0.5 per cent in June.

Lauren Binns, ABS head of business statistics, said: 'The small rise in August was the fourth increase in a row, and spending has risen in 10 of the last 12 months.

'Through the year growth remained elevated. Household spending was 5.0 per cent higher than the same time last year.'

'Households spent more on booking airline travel and accommodation services during August. This contributed to a 0.5 per cent rise for Services spending. In contrast, Goods spending fell 0.2 per cent,' Ms Binns said.

Five of the nine spending categories rose in August. This was led by Transport, which rose 0.8 per cent, and was driven by Western Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. Miscellaneous goods and services also rose 0.8 per cent.

The largest falls in spending were for Recreation and culture (-0.9 per cent) and Alcoholic beverages and tobacco (-0.9 per cent).

In annual terms, Miscellaneous goods and services (+8.9 per cent) and Health (+8.0 per cent) had the largest growth rates in the 12 months to August.

Services spending was 8.1 per cent higher than August 2024, while Goods spending was up 2.5 per cent.

Household spending grew in five of the eight states and territories in August.

The Australian Capital Territory (+2.9 per cent) and Tasmania (+0.6 per cent) recorded the largest growth rates, while the Northern Territory (-1.2 per cent) had the biggest fall.