Big jump in CPI
The ABS Consumer Price Index rose 1.6% in the March quarter 2011, compared with a rise of 0.4% in the December quarter 2010. This is the largest quarterly rise in the CPI since the June quarter 2006 when the CPI increased 1.6%.
CPI rose 3.3% through the year to March quarter 2011, compared with a rise of 2.7% through the year to December quarter 2010.
Over the 12 months to the March quarter 2011, the health group rose 4.1% mainly due to increases in hospital and medical services (+6.0%) and dental services (+2.8%). In the March quarter 2011 the main contributor to the sector was pharmaceuticals, rising 12.5% as a result of the cyclical reduction in the proportion of consumers who qualify for subsidies for out-o-hospital expenses under the Medicare Plus safety net at the start of each calendar year.
CPI rose 3.3% through the year to March quarter 2011, compared with a rise of 2.7% through the year to December quarter 2010.
Over the 12 months to the March quarter 2011, the health group rose 4.1% mainly due to increases in hospital and medical services (+6.0%) and dental services (+2.8%). In the March quarter 2011 the main contributor to the sector was pharmaceuticals, rising 12.5% as a result of the cyclical reduction in the proportion of consumers who qualify for subsidies for out-o-hospital expenses under the Medicare Plus safety net at the start of each calendar year.
Home (Past 7 Days)