COMMENTARY


WAGE PRICE INDEXES

Australia/Sector (seasonally adjusted)

In the March quarter 2017, the Private sector index rose 0.5% and the Public sector rose 0.6%. The All sectors quarterly rise was 0.5%.

Through the year, the Private sector rise to the March quarter 2017 was 1.8%, the same rise as for December quarter 2016 and an equal record low for the series. The Public sector rose 2.4%, and All sectors rose 1.9%.


Australia/Sector (original)

In the March quarter 2017, wages rose 0.4% for All sectors. Private sector wages grew 0.3%, which continues the slowing of wages growth over the last two years. The Public sector quarterly rise was 0.6%.

The All sectors through the year rise was 1.9%. Through the year Private sector growth (1.8%) continues to track below Public sector growth (2.4%).


State/Territory (original)

In the March quarter 2017, Victoria and Tasmania recorded the largest quarterly rise of 0.6%. Northern Territory recorded the lowest quarterly rise of 0.2%.

Rises through the year ranged from 1.2% for Western Australia to 2.3% for Tasmania.

In the Private sector, the quarterly rise of 0.6% for the Australian Capital Territory was the highest quarterly rise of all states and territories. The lowest quarterly rise of 0.2% was recorded by Western Australia.

Rises through the year in the Private sector ranged from 1.0% for Western Australia to 2.3% for Tasmania. Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory have now all recorded through the year growth of less than 2.0% for more than four quarters.

In the Public sector, Victoria recorded the highest quarterly rise of all the states and territories of 1.0%. Northern Territory recorded the lowest of 0.2%. Changes in the timing of pay increases awarded under enterprise agreements can influence quarterly wages growth in the Public sector.

Through the year, the Northern Territory recorded the highest Public sector rise of 2.9%, and Australian Capital Territory recorded the lowest (1.7%).


Industry (original)




In the Private sector, Electricity, gas, water and waste services recorded the highest quarterly rise of 0.7%, and Accommodation and food services recorded the lowest growth over the quarter (0.1%). Rises through the year in the Private sector ranged from 0.6% for Mining to 2.4% for Health care and social assistance.

The through the year Private sector growth for Mining (0.6%), marks the first time in the history of the series an industry recorded annual growth of less than 1.0%.

In the Public sector, Education and training recorded the highest quarterly rise of 1.0%. The rate of wage growth was influenced by recently ratified Public sector enterprise agreements delivering wage increases in the March quarter. Professional, scientific and technical services recorded the lowest quarterly wages growth of 0.2%.

Rises through the year in the Public sector ranged from 1.5% for Professional, scientific and technical services to 2.5% for Education and training.