A late flu season and a run of big sporting events drove Australian consumer spending habits in September.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures released today show household spending rose 0.6 percent during the month.
This followed a fall of 0.1 percent in August and a rise of 1.0 percent in July.
ABS head of business statistics Tom Lay said health spending rose during the month because of increased funds devoted to GP visits, dental and optometric services, and pharmaceutical and toiletry goods.
“It’s likely that the late flu activity added to higher health spending in September, driving greater demand for GP consultations and medicines,” Mr Lay said.
Spending was also higher on recreation and culture.
Mr Lay said this was likely supported by major sporting events and advanced purchases of tickets for live entertainment.
Transport and health spending rose by 1.5 percent during September.
“The rise in Transport reflected higher spending on fuel, vehicle repairs and maintenance, and domestic air travel as people travelled to attend major sporting events,” Mr Lay said.
“Fuel spending rose 5.4 percent in September, reflecting higher global oil prices and the end of the fuel excise relief on August 3.”
The full report is here
