Aussie spending figures revealed

Household spending in June was up more than 10 per cent compared with the same time last year, as Australia struggles through skyrocketing cost of living.

The latest monthly spending figures, released on Tuesday by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, show household spending increased 10.2 per cent through the year, with a 15.9 per cent increase on services and a 5.0 per cent increase on goods.

Both discretionary and non-discretionary spending increased – not surprising given the rate of inflation is 6.1 per cent.

Discretionary spending rose by 10.8 per cent, driven by spending in recreation and cultural activities, while non-discretionary spending on essentials rose 9.8 per cent, due to the rising cost of transport.

The most significant area of spending was on transport, up 22.7 per cent, driven by higher petrol prices due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the demand for air travel.

Spending at hospitality businesses like hotels, cafes and restaurants was up 17.1 per cent in what is viewed as a positive return to pre-pandemic levels.

There was also strong growth in spending on clothing and footwear – up 16.3 per cent; as well as a 15.5 per cent increase in recreation and culture. Jacqui Vitas, from the Australia Bureau of Statistics, said June marked the 16th consecutive month of throughthe-year increases in total household spending.

“This was off the back of consistent decreases in total household spending from March 2020 to February 2021, as responses to Covid-19 were experienced across the country,” she said. “Spending categories most impacted from Covid-19 responses – transport, hotels, cafes and restaurants, and clothing and footwear – have now returned to pre-pandemic levels.”