Household Spending Rises In February: Australia

Household spending rose 0.2 per cent in February, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

This follows a 0.5 per cent rise in January and a 0.2 per cent rise in December.

Robert Ewing, ABS head of business statistics, said: 'Household spending rose for the fifth month in a row in February, to be 3.3 per cent higher than a year ago.

'Spending on recreational and cultural activities, purchases of new vehicles and eating out contributed to a 0.3 per cent rise in discretionary spending.

'In contrast, spending on non-discretionary goods and services fell by 0.1 per cent, following a 1.7 per cent rise in January. Households reduced their spending on Health, particularly doctor and hospital visits, while increasing their spending on Food.'

Five of the nine spending categories recorded rises in February, led by Recreation and culture (+0.9 per cent) and Food (+0.6 per cent), while Alcoholic beverages and tobacco fell 1.4 per cent.

Household spending was 3.3 per cent higher than the same time last year. Health (+7.8 per cent) and Recreation and culture (+5.1 per cent) made the largest contributions to this rise.

Services spending was 5.2 per cent higher than February 2024, while Goods spending was up 1.7 per cent.

Household spending grew in five of the eight states and territories. The highest percentage rises were seen in the Northern Territory (+0.5 per cent), New South Wales (+0.4 percent) and Tasmania (+0.4 per cent), while the Australian Capital Territory (-0.6 per cent) had the largest fall.