Australians are continuing to spend despite mounting cost-of-living pressures, with new figures revealing household expenditure increased 0.6 per cent in September.<\/p>\n
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data shows households spent $82.6 billion during the month, reversing a 0.1 per cent decline recorded in August.<\/p>\n
Transport and health spending recorded the biggest increases, both rising 1.5 per cent.<\/p>\n
Recreation and culture spending also increased by 0.8 per cent, while spending at hotels, cafes and restaurants climbed 0.5 per cent.<\/p>\n
Higher transport spending was partly driven by increased expenditure on fuel, vehicle repairs and maintenance, as well as domestic air travel.<\/p>\n
Fuel spending surged 5.4 per cent in September, reflecting higher global oil prices and the end of temporary fuel excise relief on August 3.<\/p>\n
Experimental ABS volume data, however, suggests the volume of fuel purchased actually fell 2.2 per cent during the month.<\/p>\n
Health spending also increased as Australians spent more on GP visits, dental and optometric services, medicines and toiletry products.<\/p>\n
The ABS said increased demand for medical consultations and medicines was likely linked to late flu activity.<\/p>\n
Not every category recorded growth, with food spending falling 0.1 per cent during September.<\/p>\n
Spending on alcohol and tobacco dropped 0.7 per cent, while furnishings and household equipment declined 0.2 per cent.<\/p>\n
Despite the monthly fluctuations, household spending remains significantly higher than a year ago.<\/p>\n
The ABS figures show total household spending increased 6.8 per cent over the 12 months to September.<\/p>\n
The figures come as inflation continues to put pressure on household budgets.<\/p>\n
Annual inflation reached 4.3 per cent in the year to September, according to separate ABS data.<\/p>\n
Housing costs increased 5.2 per cent over the year, while transport prices rose 8.7 per cent.<\/p>\n
Australians are not simply spending more because goods and services cost more.<\/p>\n
When adjusted for price changes, household spending volumes increased 0.7 per cent in the September quarter.<\/p>\n
It marks the fourth consecutive quarter of growth, with seven of the nine spending categories recording increases.<\/p>\n
Transport recorded the strongest quarterly growth, rising 1.6 per cent.<\/p>\n
The ABS Household Spending Indicator draws on aggregated and de-identified bank card transactions, supermarket scanner data and motor vehicle sales information.<\/p>\n
The next monthly household spending figures, covering October, are scheduled for release on November 30.<\/p>\n