MEDIA RELEASE
07 March 2018	Embargoed: 11:30 am (Canberra time)

The Australian economy grew 0.4 per cent in seasonally adjusted chain volume terms in the December quarter 2017, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today.

Chief Economist for the ABS, Bruce Hockman, said: “Growth this quarter was driven by the household sector, with continued strength in household income matched by growth in household consumption.”

Compensation of employees (COE) increased 1.1 per cent in the December quarter, the fourth consecutive quarter of solid growth. “The increase in wages is consistent with stronger employment data reported in Labour Force, as well as a lift in the growth rate in the wage price index observed over the past two quarters.” Mr Hockman added.

Household consumption rebounded to 1.0 per cent this quarter with strength recorded in discretionary spending on hotels, cafés and restaurants and recreation and culture. Private investment detracted from growth due to a decline in dwellings and a sharp fall in new engineering construction. However, private investment in machinery and equipment remained strong, as did construction of non-residential buildings.

Net trade detracted from growth due to declines in exports of rural goods, transport equipment and travel services. This is reflected in the Agriculture and Manufacturing industries which were the largest detractors from GDP this quarter. Healthcare and service based industries continued to grow reflecting increased demand from the household sector.

Media note:

• When reporting ABS data, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or ABS) must be attributed as the source,
• For media requests and interviews, contact the ABS Communications and Partnerships Section on 1300 175 070 (8:30am - 5:00pm Mon-Fri),
• Subscribe to our email notification service and get media releases or products sent to you on release.