Household spending up 11.4% in last 12 months

Jacqui Vitas, ABS head of macroeconomic statistics, said that November 2022 was the 21st consecutive month of increased through-the-year total household spending, with most spending categories recording increases.

“This latest rise was less significant than previous months, as COVID-19 Delta variant impacts (such as lockdowns) eased towards the end of 2021,” Ms Vitas said.

“The highest increases were in spending in transport (+35.8 per cent) and hotels, cafes and restaurants (+23.8 per cent), but growth slowed in comparison to previous months.”

Furnishings and household equipment (-7 per cent) was the only spending category to record a fall when compared to November 2021. This was due to strong post-lockdown spending in this category in November 2021.

Compared to pre-pandemic November 2019, total household spending was 21.2 per cent higher, with discretionary spending (+25.9 per cent) increasing more than non-discretionary spending (+16.9 per cent).

State and territory results

All states and territories saw increased household spending in November 2022 when compared to November 2021.

The Northern Territory (+16.1 per cent) recorded the largest increase in spending due to snap lockdown/lockouts in the territory the year before. Strong increases seen in previous months in NSW, Victoria and the ACT all softened as pandemic restrictions in these states eased from November 2021.