CAPITAL CITIES COMPARISON


ALL GROUPS CPI

At the all groups level, the CPI rose in seven capital cities during the December quarter 2012. Rises were recorded in Melbourne (+0.4%), Adelaide (+0.4%), Hobart (+0.4%), Canberra (+0.4%), Brisbane (+0.3%), Perth (+0.3%) and Sydney (+0.1%). Darwin recorded no change.

The transport group was the most significant positive contributor to the All groups quarterly movement, recording rises in five capital cities. The largest movement was recorded in Hobart (+2.6%), driven by increases in automotive fuel. Melbourne (+1.6%) and Perth (+1.3%) also rose largely due to increases in automotive fuel and motor vehicles respectively.

The insurance and financial services group was the second largest positive contributor to the All groups quarterly movement, recording rises in all capital cities. The largest movements were recorded in Canberra (+2.2%) and Hobart (+2.1%) mainly due to increases in insurance and other financial services.

The recreation and culture group was also a positive contributor to the All groups quarterly movement, recording rises in seven capital cities. The largest movements were recorded in Melbourne (+1.2%), Brisbane (+0.8%) and Canberra (+0.8%) driven by increases in domestic holiday travel and accommodation. Darwin (-2.1%) was the only city to record a fall in the December quarter 2012.

The health group was the most significant negative contributor to the All groups quarterly movement, recording falls in all capital cities. The fall was mainly due to a greater proportion of consumers exceeding the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme safety net resulting in decreases in pharmaceutical products in all cities with falls ranging from 4.5% in Perth to 2.7% in Adelaide and Darwin.

Over the twelve months to the December quarter 2012, the All groups CPI rose in all capital cities with the largest positive movements recorded in Sydney (+2.5%) and Darwin (+2.5%). Hobart (+1.0%) recorded the smallest rise over the twelve months to the December quarter 2012.

All Groups CPI, All groups index numbers and percentage changes
	Index number(a)	Percentage change
	Dec Qtr 2012	Sep Qtr 2012 to Dec Qtr 2012	Dec Qtr 2011 to Dec Qtr 2012
Sydney	102.3	0.1	2.5
Melbourne	102.0	0.4	2.1
Brisbane	101.9	0.3	2.2
Adelaide	102.1	0.4	2.1
Perth	101.9	0.3	2.1
Hobart	101.0	0.4	1.0
Darwin	102.0	0.0	2.5
Canberra	101.8	0.4	1.7
Weighted average of eight capital cities	102.0	0.2	2.2
(a) Index reference period: 2011-12 = 100.0.