Save
Inflation edged up in September
The cost of the drought has hit consumers’ back pocket, but not hard enough to push inflation up to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target of 2 to 3 per cent, national figures have shown.
Inflation edged up in September
The cost of the drought has hit consumers’ back pocket, but not hard enough to push inflation up to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s target of 2 to 3 per cent, national figures have shown.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has released the consumer price index (CPI) for the September quarter, showing 0.5 per cent growth for the quarter.
This follows a rise of 0.6 per cent in the June 2019 quarter, accounting for 1.7 per cent growth through the year to the September 2019 quarter, compared with a rise of 1.6 per cent over the 12 months to June 2019 quarter.
The most significant falls in the quarter were automotive fuel, (-2 per cent), fruit (-3.1 per cent) and vegetables (-2.5 per cent).
ABS chief economist Bruce Hockman said: “Despite the price falls for fruit and vegetables this quarter, the drought is impacting on the prices for a range of food products.”

“Prices rose this quarter for meat and seafood (1.7 per cent), dairy and related products (2.2 per cent) and bread and cereal products (1.3 per cent),” Mr Hockman said.
The most significant price increases for the September 2019 quarter were international holidays, travel and accommodation (6.1 per cent), tobacco (3.4 per cent), property rates and charges (2.5 per cent) and child care (2.5 per cent)
“Annual inflation remains subdued partly due to price rises for housing-related expenses remaining low, and in some cases falling in annual terms.”
“Prices for utilities (-0.3 per cent) and new dwelling purchase by owner-occupiers (-0.1 per cent) both fell slightly through the year to the September 2019 quarter, while rents (0.4 per cent) recorded only a small rise,” Mr Hockman also noted.
About the author

About the author


Expenses
Expert tips to secure your financial safety net
New Zealanders are known for their "she'll be right" attitude, but when it comes to handling unexpected bills, being prepared is crucial. Read more

Expenses
Australians continue to opt for free VPNs, ignoring potential privacy risks
Australians, alongside citizens of Sweden, South Korea, and Mexico, are increasingly choosing to use free Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), despite the potential threats to their privacy. Read more

Expenses
Rooftop solar in childcare centres could cut energy bills by millions
The analysis conducted by Parents for Climate has revealed that the installation of rooftop solar and batteries in early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres could lead to savings of up to $130 ...Read more

Expenses
Corporate Traveller identifies key strategies for business travel savings
Flight Centre Travel Group's Corporate Traveller, a premier service provider for managing SME travel, has shared several effective strategies that enabled their business clients to significantly ...Read more

Expenses
Price no longer the prime factor for energy bills
Many Australians are intrigued but unconvinced when it comes to greening their energy bill. Read more

Expenses
1 in 2 Aussie pet owners spends on their pets more than themselves
Does owning a pet eat into your monthly budget? You’re not alone. Read more

Expenses
The real reason Sydney’s petrol prices are so high
Sydney fuel prices may seem like they’re soaring, but a recent study indicates that they may be cheaper than you think. Read more

Expenses
Morrison backs big pharma, turns back to developing countries
Big pharma is currently fighting to maintain intellectual property protections over COVID-19 vaccines, with Australia refusing to act despite having no pharmaceutical companies. Read more

Expenses
Expert tips to secure your financial safety net
New Zealanders are known for their "she'll be right" attitude, but when it comes to handling unexpected bills, being prepared is crucial. Read more

Expenses
Australians continue to opt for free VPNs, ignoring potential privacy risks
Australians, alongside citizens of Sweden, South Korea, and Mexico, are increasingly choosing to use free Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), despite the potential threats to their privacy. Read more

Expenses
Rooftop solar in childcare centres could cut energy bills by millions
The analysis conducted by Parents for Climate has revealed that the installation of rooftop solar and batteries in early childhood education and care (ECEC) centres could lead to savings of up to $130 ...Read more

Expenses
Corporate Traveller identifies key strategies for business travel savings
Flight Centre Travel Group's Corporate Traveller, a premier service provider for managing SME travel, has shared several effective strategies that enabled their business clients to significantly ...Read more

Expenses
Price no longer the prime factor for energy bills
Many Australians are intrigued but unconvinced when it comes to greening their energy bill. Read more

Expenses
1 in 2 Aussie pet owners spends on their pets more than themselves
Does owning a pet eat into your monthly budget? You’re not alone. Read more

Expenses
The real reason Sydney’s petrol prices are so high
Sydney fuel prices may seem like they’re soaring, but a recent study indicates that they may be cheaper than you think. Read more

Expenses
Morrison backs big pharma, turns back to developing countries
Big pharma is currently fighting to maintain intellectual property protections over COVID-19 vaccines, with Australia refusing to act despite having no pharmaceutical companies. Read more