In brief
Australian household expenditure grew 0.6 % in September after a slight decline the month before, with transport and health leading the gains. The uptick in fuel prices and medical services pushed the overall rise, marking the fourth consecutive quarter of growth.
In Canberra, Australian household spending rose 0.6 % in September, following a 0.1 % fall in August, according to data released by the government on Wednesday.
Official figures show the increase spread across both essential and discretionary categories, with transport and health each up 1.5 % and recreation and culture adding 0.8 %.
Transport spending climbed on higher fuel costs, vehicle repairs and maintenance, and domestic air travel, the latter spurred by major sporting events.
Fuel expenses were 5.4 % higher, reflecting global oil price gains and the lifting of fuel excise relief on 3 August, although practice‑based ABS data indicated the volume of fuel purchased fell 2.2 % during the month, after a 0.6 % decline in August.
Health spending grew because of increased doctor visits, dental and optometric services, pharmaceuticals and toiletry goods; late‑season flu activity may have driven greater demand for medical care and medicines.
On a quarterly basis, household expenditure climbed 0.7 % in the September quarter, the fourth consecutive quarter of growth, with seven of nine spending categories recording rises; transport posted the strongest quarterly growth at 1.6 %.
