COMMENTARY


WAGE PRICE INDEXES

Australia/Sector (seasonally adjusted)

In the December quarter 2018 both the Private and Public sector indexes rose 0.6%. The All sectors quarterly rise was 0.5%.

The Private sector through the year rise to the December quarter 2018 of 2.3% was smaller than the Public sector rise of 2.5%. The Private sector has recorded the highest through the year growth since December 2014.


Australia/Sector (original)

In the December quarter 2018, the Private sector index rose 0.5% while the Public sector rose 0.7%. The All sectors quarterly rise was 0.5%.

The All sectors through the year rise was 2.3%. Through the year the Private and Public sectors grew 2.3% and 2.5% respectively, which continues the moderate rate of wages growth over the last two years.


State/Territory (original)

In the December quarter 2018, Victoria recorded the highest quarterly rise of 0.8%. Tasmania recorded the lowest quarterly rise of 0.2%.

Rises through the year ranged from 1.6% for Western Australia to 2.7% for Victoria.

In the Private sector, the quarterly rise of 0.8% for Victoria was the highest rise of all states and territories. The lowest quarterly rise of 0.2% was recorded by the Australian Capital Territory.

Rises through the year in the Private sector ranged from 1.6% for the Northern Territory to 2.9% for Tasmania.

In the Public sector, Queensland recorded the highest quarterly rise of all the states and territories (1.3%). Tasmania recorded the lowest rise of 0.2%.

Through the year, the Northern Territory recorded the highest Public sector rise of 3.4%, and Western Australia recorded the lowest (1.4%).


Industry (original)




Wage growth in the Health care and social assistance industry was the main contributor to the December quarter 2018 index growth.

In the Private sector, Accommodation and food services recorded the lowest growth over the quarter (0.1%). Financial and insurance services recorded the highest quarterly rise of 0.9%.

Rises through the year in the Private sector ranged from 1.5% for Information media and telecommunication services, to 3.0% for Health care and social assistance.

In the Public sector, Electricity, gas, water and waste services recorded the lowest quarterly wages growth of 0.4% while Professional, scientific and technical services recorded the highest at 1.1%.

Rises through the year in the Public sector ranged from 1.9% for Professional, scientific and technical services to 2.7% for Public administration and safety.