COMMENTARY


WAGE PRICE INDEXES

Australia/Sector (trend)

In the June quarter 2013, both the Private and Public sector indexes rose by 0.7%. The All sectors quarterly increase was 0.7%.

The Private sector through the year rise to the June quarter 2013 of 3.0% was higher than the Public sector rise of 2.9%. Through the year, All sectors rose 3.0%.


Australia/Sector (original)

In the June quarter 2013 wages growth continued to slow. The Public sector quarterly rise of 0.3% was smaller than the Private sector rise of 0.5%. In the Public sector, the quarterly rise was the smallest since the June quarter 2004. The All sectors quarterly rise of 0.4% is the equal smallest rise ever recorded in the Wage Price Index series. A quarterly rise of 0.4% was also recorded in the June quarter 1999.

The Private sector, Public sector and All sectors through the year rises were below 3.0% in the June quarter 2013. The All sectors through the year rise was last below 3.0% in the December quarter 2009 when it was also 2.9%.


State/Territory (original)

Western Australia recorded the largest quarterly All sectors rise of 0.6% while Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory recorded the smallest rise of 0.3%. In the June quarter 2013, all the states and territories recorded a smaller quarterly rise than in the June quarter 2012. Rises through the year ranged from 2.8% for New South Wales and Queensland to 3.4% for Western Australia.

In the Private sector, Victoria recorded the largest quarterly rise of 0.7%, while Western Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory recorded the smallest rise of 0.4%. Rises through the year in the Private sector ranged from 2.8% for New South Wales and Queensland to 3.5% for South Australia.

In the Public sector, the quarterly rise for Western Australia of 1.3% was the largest quarterly rise of all states and territories. South Australia and the Northern Territory recorded the smallest quarterly rise of 0.1%.

The largest through the year rise of all states and territories in the Public sector was recorded by Western Australia with 4.2%. The smallest through the year rise for the Public sector was recorded by Victoria with 2.5%.


Industry (original)



In the June quarter 2013, both Construction and Wholesale trade recorded the largest quarterly rise of 1.0% for All sectors. The smallest quarterly rise for All sectors of 0.2% was recorded by Retail trade; Professional, scientific and technical services; Administrative and support services; and Other services.

In the Public sector Electricity, gas, water and waste services; and Health care and social assistance recorded the largest quarterly rise of 0.4%. The smallest quarterly rise of 0.3% was recorded by Professional, scientific and technical services; Public administration and safety; and Education and training.

The All sectors through the year rises to the June quarter 2013 ranged from 2.5% for Education and training to 3.9% for Electricity, gas, water and waste services.