Australian Household Spending Rises 0.6 Percent in September

Australian household spending increased by 0.6 percent in September 2026, reversing a 0.1 percent decline recorded in August. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows growth across both essential and discretionary categories, with spending on transport and health each rising by 1.5 percent, while recreation and culture increased by 0.8 percent.

Transport spending rose due to higher costs for fuel, vehicle maintenance, and domestic air travel linked to major sporting events. Fuel spending specifically increased by 5.4 percent, driven by rising global oil prices and the expiration of fuel excise relief on August 3, though the actual volume of fuel purchased fell by 2.2 percent.

Health spending grew as late flu activity increased demand for medicines and GP consultations. Overall, household spending volumes grew for the fourth consecutive quarter, led primarily by the transport sector.