Australian Bureau of Statistics
Coverage of Australian Bureau of Statistics in the Nexus archive.
- Interest rate hikes remain on cards as Australia’s underlying inflation climbs, economists warn
Australia's underlying inflation rose to 3.6% annually, driven by factors beyond falling fuel prices, prompting economists to warn that further Reserve Bank rate hikes remain likely. Annual inflation fell to 4% in May due to a 12% drop in fuel prices, but trimmed mean inflation increased, signaling ongoing economic challenges.
- Australians are spending less to consume more nicotine as illegal tobacco trade explodes
Australian nicotine consumption increased by 40% between 2017 and 2025, with 80% of cigarettes sourced from illicit trade, despite lower spending. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported this rise in nicotine use amid population growth of just 14%.
- Australia’s unemployment rate jumps to 4.5% in ‘tentative signs labour market is buckling’
Australia's unemployment rate rose to 4.5% in April, the highest level in four-and-a-half years, as employed persons unexpectedly fell by 18,600. The jump suggests the labour market is weakening due to rising interest rates and global oil crisis concerns, likely prompting the Reserve Bank to delay further rate hikes.