Household spending rose 1.3 per cent in October, according to seasonally adjusted figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).
This follows a 0.3 per cent rise in September and is the biggest increase since January 2024. Household spending is now 5.6 per cent higher than the same time last year.
ABS head of business statistics Tom Lay said: "Discretionary spending surged this month led by goods as promotional events saw households spend more on clothing, footwear, furnishings and electronics following months of weaker spending in these categories.
"Services spending also rose in October, as major concerts and cultural festivals drove up demand for catering, hospitality and hotel stays in major cities."
Spending in hotels, cafes and restaurants rose 2.2 per cent during the period.
In seasonally adjusted, current price terms, household spending on discretionary goods and services rose 1.6 per cent month-on-month, driven by increased spending on personal effects, clothing and footwear, and accommodation services.
NSW had the largest percentage rise in household spending at 1.6 per cent.
