Australian Industry

Latest release

Annual estimates of key economic and financial performance of industries in Australia, including income, expenses, profit and capital expenditure

Reference period
2021-22 financial year

Key statistics

  • Mining industry earnings grew $54.3b (32.7%).
  • Rental, hiring and real estate services industry earnings grew $8.5b (13.5%).
  • Wholesale trade industry earnings grew $8.0b (30.2%).
  • Manufacturing industry earnings grew $7.6b (17.8%).
  • Construction industry earnings declined $5.4b (-9.3%).

Note: refers to Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA).

Australian Industry Employment and IVA data and movements, 2020-21 to 2021-22
ANZSIC DivisionEmployment at end of June ('000)Industry value added ($m)
20212022Change (%)2020-212021-22Change (%)
Agriculture, forestry and fishing437426-2.531,55439,61625.5
Mining1892005.8218,657283,23829.5
Manufacturing8408703.6107,811124,19615.2
Electricity, gas, water and waste services1231316.549,40448,615-1.6
Construction1,1941,2292.9129,577141,3259.1
Wholesale trade5605834.171,81086,10319.9
Retail trade1,3871,4192.390,786102,06412.4
Accommodation and food services1,0561,0610.540,07345,65113.9
Transport, postal and warehousing6336512.872,15682,98515.0
Information media and telecommunications1721836.438,28043,59513.9
Rental, hiring and real estate services4124294.186,640100,01715.4
Professional, scientific and technical services1,2031,2937.5143,539164,08814.3
Administrative and support services9539994.867,73978,86816.4
Public administration and safety (private)90966.76,8027,54510.9
Education and training (private)4504663.633,25436,2599.0
Health care and social assistance (private)1,4531,5375.8110,269124,10012.5
Arts and recreation services22024511.412,02715,03125.0
Other services5345492.833,07738,73717.1

Industry summary

  • The Mining industry experienced growth across all key data items in 2021-22. EBITDA increased 32.7% ($54.3b), following a 4.9% ($7.7b) increase in 2020-21. Mining IVA similarly experienced growth, increasing 29.5% ($64.6b) following a 4.4% ($9.2b) increase in 2020-21. 
  • Rental, hiring and real estate services industry EBITDA increased 13.5% ($8.5b) following a 3.1% ($1.9b) increase in 2020-21. Rental services IVA increased 15.4% ($13.4b) following a 1.8% ($1.5b) increase in 2020-21. 
  • Wholesale trade industry EBITDA increased 30.2% ($8.0b), following a 0.2% ($62m) increase in 2020-21. Wholesale trade IVA increased 19.9% ($14.3b) following a 0.4% (-$263m) slight decrease in 2020-21. 
  • Manufacturing industry EBITDA increased 17.8% ($7.6b), following a 6.9% ($2.8b) increase in 2020-21. Manufacturing IVA increased 15.2% ($16.1b) following a 0.5% ($501m) increase in 2020-21. 
  • Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry EBITDA increased 26.2% ($5.6b), following a 37.0% ($5.8b) increase in 2020-21. Agriculture IVA increased 25.5% ($8.1b), following a 18.1% ($4.8b) increase in 2020-21. 
  • Construction industry EBITDA declined 9.3% (-$5.4b) following an 8.0% ($4.2b) increase in 2020-21. Construction IVA increased 9.1% ($11.7b) following a 1.6% ($2.1b) increase in 2020-21.
  • Total employment increased 462,000 people (3.9%), with the largest growth reported by the Professional, scientific and technical services industry (90,000 people or 7.5%), and the Health care and social assistance industry (84,000 people or 5.8%).

Note: Financial estimates in this release are expressed in current prices.

For more information on the scope and coverage or survey design for this release, refer to the Methodology page.

Industry analysis

Agriculture, forestry and fishing

  • Agriculture, forestry and fishing industry division earnings increased 26.2% ($5.6b), driven by a 19.7% ($20.1) increase in Sales and service income. 
  • Division growth was driven by the Agriculture subdivision, which experienced an increase in earnings of 25.6% ($4.8b) driven by bumper crops following favourable weather conditions, soaring prices and export volumes. 
  • Total expenses grew 9.9% ($9.8b) driven predominantly by increased input costs as a result of reduced global energy supplies, and higher fertiliser and petrol prices. 
  • This division was the only division to record a negative Employment movement in 2021-22, with Employment declining 11,000 people (-2.5%). This decline was primarily driven by the Agriculture subdivision, whereby Employment declined 10,000 people (-2.8%).

Mining

Estimates for the Mining industry largely reflect calendar year reporting for 2021 and are mostly unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For a limited range of estimates adjusted to a June financial year basis, see the 'Off-June adjusted estimates by subdivision' data cube in the Data Downloads.
The Mining industry division experienced strong growth in 2021-22 compared to 2020-21, across all key data items, particularly EBITDA and IVA:

  • The Mining industry experienced strong price movements throughout 2021-22, especially related to energy commodities due to shortages in Europe and strong demand in Asian markets.
  • In current price terms, Mining earnings and IVA grew 32.7% ($54.3b) and 29.5% ($64.6b) respectively, driven by a 24.9% ($85.5b) increase in Sales and service income.
  • Mining earnings growth was driven by the Coal mining and Oil and gas extraction subdivisions, up 624.4% ($39.2b) and 67.3% ($20.5b) respectively. This is reflected by growth in Merchandise Exports for Coal mining and Oil and gas extraction and decline in Metal ore mining. Earnings growth was slightly offset by a 4.6% (-$5.8b) decline for the Metal ore mining subdivision.
  • The Export Price Index for Mining increased 52.2% between the 2020-21 and 2021-22 financial years, following an increase of 40.2% between the 2020 and 2021 calendar years. This price effect is reflected in the difference between the increase of 33.6% ($113.0b) in Mining Total income in the Australian industry by division, subdivision and Mining datacubes, which largely reflect calendar year growth for this industry, and the contrasting growth of 43.9% ($152.7b) for the financial year contained in the Off-June adjusted estimates datacube.
  • Coal mining earnings growth of 624.4% ($39.2b) was driven by growth in Merchandise Exports.
  • The 4.6% (-$5.8b) decrease in earnings for the Metal ore mining subdivision was driven by the Iron ore mining class, which declined 5.6% (-$6.0b). This reflected the price decline for iron ore as shown in the 7.7% decline in the Export Price Index for Metal ore mining. 
  • Mining industry Employment increased 11,000 people (5.8%), driven by growth of 8,000 people (10.0%) in Metal ore mining and growth of 4,000 people (9.8%) in Exploration and other mining support services. However, Coal mining Employment declined by 1,000 people (-2.7%).

For more detailed financial performance information on the Mining industry please refer to the 'Mining industry' data cube.

Manufacturing

The Manufacturing industry division experienced strong growth in 2021-22 compared to 2020-21, across all key data items, particularly EBITDA and IVA:

  • Manufacturing industry division earnings increased 17.8% ($7.6b), driven by a 10.2% ($42.4b) increase in Sales and service income.
  • Division earnings growth was mainly driven by Primary metal and metal products manufacturing with growth of 56.6% ($2.5b), with improved global market conditions leading to increased demand and higher prices for key metals. This increase is reflected in a rise in Sales and service income, 4.6% ($3.2b), while much of the remaining increase was driven by a net increase in Change in inventories 673.5% ($2.8b).
  • These market conditions also generated growth in Fabricated metal product manufacturing with an increase of 34.9% ($1.3b), bolstered by increased construction activity. 
  • Basic chemical and chemical product manufacturing was also a contributor to growth, benefitting from increased export volumes. Earnings for this subdivision increased by 24.6% ($1.2b).
  • Wages and salaries increased in the Manufacturing industry by 5.6% ($3.4b), while Employment increased 30,000 people (3.6%).

Electricity, gas, water and waste services

Electricity, gas, water and waste services industry division experienced declines in a few key data items for 2021-22. 

  • Electricity, gas, water and waste services industry division earnings declined 5.5% (-$1.8b), which was predominantly driven by a 7.9% (-$1.4b) decline in the Electricity supply subdivision. This was mostly driven by difficulty sourcing sufficient volumes of coal to fulfil desired output levels, leading to an increased reliance on alternative higher cost generation sources. 
  • IVA for the Electricity, gas, water and waste services industry fell 1.6% (-$789m), driven by an 8.5% ($11.5b) increase in Sales and service income, which was offset by strong increases of 18.0% ($9.8b) in Purchases of goods and materials (of which $6.5b was due to the Electricity supply subdivision), and a 8.6% ($3.6b) increase in Other intermediate input expenses. 
  • Employment in the Electricity, gas, water and waste services industry increased by 8,000 people (6.5%). 
     

Construction

The Construction industry experienced growth across all key data items in 2021-22, with the exception of earnings.

  • Construction industry division earnings decreased 9.3% (-$5.4b). This was driven by an increase in Purchases of goods and materials (20.4%, $35.3b), Selected labour costs (9.9%, $7.8b), and Other selected expenses (11.4%, $15.3b), which outpaced the increase in Sales and service income (12.4%, $54.0b). The decrease in earnings was further driven by a 79.9% (-$7.8b) decrease in COVID-19 government support payments.
  • The decrease in earnings was driven by an 11.5% (-$4.2b) decrease in earnings for the Construction services subdivision and an 8.9% (-$1.6b) decrease in earnings for the Building construction subdivision. 
  • According to the Producer Price Index, input prices for Construction rose 17.3% overall between 2020-21 and 2021-22. 
  • Construction industry division Employment grew 35,000 people (2.9%).
     

Wholesale trade

The Wholesale trade industry division experienced growth across all key data items.

  • Wholesale trade industry division earnings and IVA grew 30.2% ($8.0b) and 19.9% ($14.3b) respectively, driven by the 14.6% ($82.2b) increase in Sales and service income.
  • Basic material wholesaling Sales and service income grew 26.6% ($42.9b), while earnings increased 114.5% ($5.9b). This was supported by strong increases in prices for petroleum and gas products, with the Export Price Indexes for these products increasing 42.6% and 15.6% respectively.
  • Machinery and equipment wholesaling Sales and service income grew 11.9% ($16.7b) and earnings increased by 26.4% ($2.1b). This is reflected by growth in Merchandise imports, with the value of Machinery and equipment imports growing by 11.2%. 
  • Commission based wholesaling also experienced strong growth, with earnings increasing by 25.7% ($313m). This result was largely driven by increases in wholesale wool prices (ABARES Agricultural commodity statistics) and Cotton production.
  • Wholesale industry Employment increased 23,000 people (4.1%), driven by growth of 6,000 people (5.0%) in Basic material wholesaling and growth of 7,000 people (7.9%) in Grocery, liquor and tobacco product wholesaling. This was offset by Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts wholesaling Employment, which declined by 3,000 people (-6.3%).
     

Retail trade

The Retail trade industry experienced growth across all key data items in 2021-22.

  • Retail trade industry division earnings grew 4.5% ($1.7b), driven by a 9.4% ($48.0b) increase in Sales and service income. This followed an increase in earnings for the Retail trade industry of 21.0% ($6.8b) in 2020-21.
  • The Other store-based retailing subdivision was one of the main drivers in sales growth, with Sales and service income increasing 9.5% ($19.7b) as COVID-19 restrictions eased and consumers returned to old shopping habits in the 2021 pre-Christmas rush. 
  • The Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts retailing subdivision also experienced growth in Sales and service income of 14.7% ($13.0b) as a result of increased demand and supply chain issues, which drove upward pressure on the price of new and used vehicles.
  • Retail trade industry IVA increased 12.4% ($11.3b).
  • Employment increased by 32,000 people (2.3%), following an increase of 50,000 people (3.7%) in 2020-21. This was driven by the Food retailing subdivision, which experienced an increase in Employment of 22,000 people (4.7%) and Other store-based retailing Employment, which increased 9,000 people (1.3%).
     

Accommodation and food services

  • Earnings for Accommodation and food services fell 8.4% (-$1.2b) in 2021-22, following a 28.0% ($3.2b) increase in 2020-21. The 2021-22 earnings decrease was driven by a rise in Sales and service income of (9.7%, $10.1b), which was offset by a decrease in Government funding including COVID-19 support payments of (-68.0%, -$4.9b), and increases in Selected labour costs (3.5%, $1.1b), Purchases of goods and materials (6.9%, $2.5b) and Other selected expenses (9.5%, $2.9b). 
  • Both the Accommodation and Food and beverage services subdivisions contributed to the decrease in earnings, decreasing by 14.0% (-$346m) and 7.2% (-$855m) respectively. 
  • Accommodation and food services IVA increased 13.9% ($5.6b), driven by a 9.6% ($10.1b) increase in Sales and service income. 
  • Employment in the Accommodation and food services industry increased by 5,000 people (0.5%) with the pressures of a skills shortage in the industry.
  • The cost of the services provided by Accommodation and food services increased due to a rise in Labour costs of 3.5% ($1.2b) driven by increasing Wages and salaries (2.8%, $829m) throughout the reference year 2021-22. Despite this, Accommodation and food services industry Operating profit before tax (OPBT) increased 21.0% ($1.8b). The difference in growth between Earnings and OPBT is due to a 534.5% ($2.8b) increase in Other income, which is included in OPBT but excluded from EBITDA. 

Transport, postal and warehousing

The Transport, postal and warehousing industry division experienced growths in all key data items for 2021-22.

  • Transport industry division earnings and IVA grew 14.4% ($4.7b) and 15.0% ($10.8b) respectively.
  • The increase in division earnings was primarily driven by a 498.9% ($2.4b) increase in the Air and space transport subdivision. 
  • The 92.4% ($7.6b) increase in Sales and service income for the Air and space transport subdivision reflects an increase in air travel.
  • Despite the easing of border restrictions boosting revenues, Air and space transport subdivision Operating profit before tax remained negative at -$451m, with the inflow of cash not being enough to offset the increase in labour costs of 24.3% ($844m) and global fuel price increases. 
  • The increase in Total expenses in Air and space transport (33.4%, $4.2b) was driven by a 119.0% ($1.9b) increase in Purchase of goods and materials.
  • Road transport also experienced growth in Sales and service income of 10.6% ($7.1b), while earnings increased by 8.5% ($987m).
  • Transport Industry division Employment grew by 18,000 people (2.8%).

Finer detail on the composition of the Transport, warehousing, and storage industry is available in the 2020-21 release of Australian Industry.

Information media and telecommunications

  • The Information, media and telecommunications industry division experienced growth in all key data items for 2021-22.
  • Information, media and telecommunications industry division reported an increase of 14.5% ($2.7b) in earnings, and IVA grew 13.9% ($5.3b). 
  • The increase in division earnings was driven by the Telecommunications services subdivision, which reported growth of 19.7% ($2.3b). This represented a recovery from declined earnings in 2020-21, largely due to international borders re-opening, resulting in international roaming and handset sales improving.
  • Internet publishing and broadcasting subdivision also reported earnings growth of 131.4% ($310m), supported by increased advertising spend as the industry rebounded from the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Broadcasting (except internet) subdivision also experienced growth in earnings, increased by 17.7% ($261m), as the industry continued to improve after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
  • Information, media and telecommunications industry division Employment grew by 11,000 people (6.4%), while Selected labour costs also grew by 10.3% ($2.1b), driven by increased Wages and salaries, 10.3% ($1.9b).
     

Auxiliary finance and insurance services

  • Financial and insurance services industry division, which in this release consists only of the Auxiliary finance and insurance services subdivision, increased earnings by 25.4% ($3.3b). Throughout 2021-22, changing investor confidence, market volatility and rising inflation increased demand for financial services.
  • The increase in earnings was driven by a 15.2% ($9.2b) increase in Sales and service income, which was partly offset by a 6.7% ($1.4b) increase in Labour costs and the 15.7% ($4.1b) increase in Other selected expenses.
  • Financial and insurance services industry Employment grew 11,000 people (7.2%). 
     

Rental, hiring and real estate services

  • Rental, hiring and real estate services division earnings grew 13.5% ($8.5b), driven by a 12.5% ($18.0b) increase in Sales and service income. IVA grew 15.4% ($13.4b).
  • Rental and hiring services (except real estate) subdivision Sales and service income grew by 23.3% ($6.6b), while earnings increased by 31.6% ($3.1b). Passenger car rental and hiring saw a turnaround, which reflected the removal of movement restrictions, rebound of travel and tourism, and increased prices due to fleet constraints. 
  • Property operators and real estate services subdivision Sales and service income grew by 9.8% ($11.4b) and earnings increased by 10.1% ($5.3b), which maintained and increased upon growth experienced in 2020-21, following declines related to the initial impacts of COVID-19 during 2019-20.
  • Rental, hiring and real estate services industry division Employment grew by 17,000 people (4.1%). 

Professional, scientific and technical services

  • Professional, scientific and technical services industry division earnings fell 2.0% (-$777m) in 2021-22, with the 11.3% ($30.1b) increase in Sales and service income being offset by a 65.4% (-$7.4b) decrease in Government funding including COVID-19 support payments and increases in Selected labour costs (9.7%, $10.4b) and Other selected expenses (11.6%, $11.4b). 
  • IVA in contrast increased 14.3% ($20.6b), driven by the Professional, scientific and technical services (except computer system design and related services) subdivision, which increased 13.9% ($15.2b). IVA does not include COVID-19 subsidies or Labour costs, which contributed to the decline in earnings. 
  • Professional, scientific and technical services industry Employment grew 90,000 people (7.5%). Total labour costs increased 9.5% ($10.5b) as firms increased wages to fill skills shortages amidst strong demand for services.

Administrative and support services

  • Administrative and support services earnings grew 5.7% ($678m), largely due to an 81.4% ($723m) increase in Recurrent government funding excluding COVID subsidies.
  • Administrative and support services earnings growth was primarily driven by the Administrative services subdivision (14.1%, $917m), which benefitted from increased employment, job vacancies and job mobility in 2021-22 as it included labour hire firms.
  • IVA grew 16.4% ($11.1b), driven by an 18.7% ($18.6b) increase in Sales and service income, which was partly offset by a 9.9% ($6.0b) increase in Labour costs, and 32.5% ($8.0b) increase in Other intermediate input expenses.
  • Employment grew by 46,000 people (4.8%), mainly driven by the Administrative services subdivision which increased 31,000 people (4.2%).

Public administration and safety (private)

  • Public administration and safety, in relation to this release, only consists of part of one subdivision (the private sector component of SD 77 Public order, safety and regulatory services).
  • The majority of units within this division are reliant on the demand and operation of other industries. Security services saw an increase in demand in 2021-22 with more events and public gatherings organised after cancellations in previous years more impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Public order, safety and regulatory services (private) subdivision reported an increase of 14.6% ($189m) in earnings, while IVA grew 10.9% ($743m). The increases in earnings and IVA were driven by an increase in Sales and service income of 3.1% ($357m), while Purchases of goods and materials declined 19.4% (-$251m).
  • Total expenses declined 1.8% (-$206m) due to a reduction in Purchase of goods and materials (-19.4%, -$251), while Total labour costs increased 2.4% ($144m).
  • Public order, safety and regulatory services (private) subdivision Employment increased by 6,000 people (6.7%).

Education and training (private)

  • Only non-government organisations within this division are included in this release.
  • Education and training (non-Government) sector industry earnings fell 14.7% (-$1.1b), largely driven by a 78.0% (-$2.4b) decrease in Government funding including COVID-19 support payments in 2021-22 which in combination with increases in Selected labour costs (4.6%, $1.3b) and Purchases of goods and materials (25.6%, $667m), outpaced growth in Sales and service income (7.8%, $3.6b).
  • IVA in contrast increased 9.0% ($3.0b), as it does not include COVID-19 payments or labour costs, and was therefore driven by the increase in Sales and service income of 7.8% ($3.6b) outpacing the 25.6% ($667m) increase in Purchases of goods and materials.
  • IVA growth was experienced across all subdivisions in the Education industry, with the Preschool and school education (private) subdivision showing the largest growth in IVA of 9.2% ($2.1b).
  • Total labour costs increased in the Education and training (non-Government) sector by 4.6% ($1.3b) with Wages and salaries driving the bulk of this movement, increasing 4.4% ($1.1b).
  • Education and training industry Employment increased 16,000 people (3.6%).

Health care and social assistance (private)

The Health care and social assistance industry experienced continued growth across all key data items.

  • Health care and social assistance industry division earnings increased slightly 0.6% ($232m), following a 7.3% ($2.5b) increase in 2020-21. The earnings increase was driven by a rise in Sales and service income of (15.2%, $24.9b), which was offset by a decrease in Government funding including COVID-19 support payments of (-45.1%, -$4.9b), and increases in Selected labour costs (10.7%, $8.4b), Purchases of goods and materials (22.4%, $3.7b) and Other selected expenses (17.4%, $7.6b). 
  • IVA grew 12.5% ($13.8b), following a 7.6% ($7.8b) increase in 2020-21. Unlike earnings, IVA does not include COVID-19 subsidies or labour costs.
  • Medical and other health care services subdivision, which includes Pathology and medical centres, general practitioners, dentists and medical specialists, saw an IVA increase of 15.7% ($8.1b) in 2021-22.
  • Health care and social assistance industry Employment increased by 84,000 people (5.8%), driven by the Medical and other health care services subdivision, which increased 69,000 people (14.6%). The Social assistance services subdivision increased 28,000 people (5.6%).

Arts and recreation services

The Arts and recreation services industry experienced continued growth across most key data items.

  • Arts and recreation services industry division earnings grew 2.9% ($156m), following an increase of 21.1% ($933m) in 2020-21. The earnings increase was driven by a rise in Sales and service income of (13.4%, $4.5b), which was offset by a decrease in Government funding including COVID-19 support payments of (-4.1%, -$1.6b), and increases in Selected labour costs (4.8%, $436m), Purchases of goods and materials (16.2%, $410m) and Other selected expenses (10.1%, $2.1b). 
  • IVA increased 25.0% ($3.0b), following a 6.4% (-$819m) increase in 2020-21. Unlike earnings, IVA is not impacted by COVID-19 subsidies or labour costs.
  • IVA growth was driven by the Sports and recreation activities subdivision, which showed IVA growth of 24.2% ($1.3b). The Gambling activities subdivision also experienced a 21.9% ($946m) increase in IVA as a result of growth in online gambling activities.
  • Arts and recreation services industry Employment increased 25,000 people (11.4%).

Other services

  • The Other services industry includes repair and maintenance as well as personal services such as hairdressers and laundry and dry-cleaning.
  • Other services industry division earnings declined by 20.9% (-$1.6b) largely due to a decrease in Government funding including COVID-19 support payments, which decreased by 45.4% (-$3.6b), and an increase in Selected labour costs of 2.7% ($744m). 
  • However, IVA increased by 17.1% ($5.7b), following an increase of 2.6% ($850m) in 2020-21. Unlike earnings, IVA is not impacted by COVID-19 subsidies or labour costs.
  • Both subdivisions within the Other Services industry showed growth in IVA. Repair and maintenance subdivision IVA grew 20.2% ($3.2b). Personal and other services subdivision IVA grew 14.3% ($2.5b), as the subdivision experienced an increase in demand for services, following a decline in 2020-21 related to more COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • Other services industry Employment grew by 15,000 people (2.8%), consistent with an increase in Total labour costs of 2.9% ($807m).
     

Business performance by size

  • In 2021-22, businesses of all sizes recorded an increase in most key data items, with medium sized businesses displaying the strongest signs of growth in Employment (161,000 people, 5.7%), Sales and service income (13.8%, $124.0b) and EBITDA (30.7%, $25.5b). 
  • Micro, medium and large businesses rebounded well as COVID-19 restrictions eased, reporting growth in earnings of 6.0% ($11.6b), 30.7% ($25.5b) and 17.3% ($47.6b) respectively.
  • Small businesses (those with 5-19 employees) were the only business size to report an overall 3.1% (-$2.3b) decline in earnings. This decline was driven by decreases in earnings for Manufacturing (-30.0%, -$1.6b) and Transport, postal and warehousing (-33.6%, -$1.5b). 

Micro businesses

Micro businesses (those with 0-4 employees) are more likely than other businesses to be sole proprietors and partnerships, and also include a large number of non-employing businesses. These businesses have low or nil wages, and the owner operators pay themselves out of business profits rather than receiving a wage or salary. This can have a distorting effect on some indicators, reducing their share of wages and salaries, but increasing their OPBT and EBITDA when compared to other key indicators and other business sizes.

  • In 2021-22, micro businesses contributed a 10-25% share of the overall total of most key data items, with the exception of OPBT (32.8%) and EBITDA (29.2%).

In 2021-22, compared to 2020-21, micro businesses reported increases in all key data items.

  • Employment increased by 54,000 people (1.8%), driven mainly by Administrative and support services (66,000 people, 50.0%), and Rental, hiring and real estate services (19,000 people, 8.9%). These increases were offset by a decline in the Construction industry (-28,000 people, -5.0%).
  • Wages and salaries increased 7.7% ($5.8b), with Administrative and support services rising 69.3% ($2.2b) and Rental, hiring and real estate services increasing 43.6% ($1.3b).
  • Sales and service income increased 11.4% ($83.9b), with the largest increases reported by the Construction industry at 10.9% ($17.5b) and Agriculture, forestry and fishing at 32.0% ($16.7b).
  • OPBT increased by 29.9% ($51.8b) driven by Rental, hiring and real estate services with 63.0% ($31.5b) and the Mining industry with 4255.6% ($14.9b).

Small businesses

  • Small businesses (those with 5-19 employees), contributed a 10%-20% share to the overall total of all key data items in 2021-22.

In 2021-22, compared to 2020-21 the small business sector experienced growth for all indicators with the exception of EBITDA, which saw a decrease of 3.1% (-$2.3b).

  • Employment increased by 66,000 people (3.1%), driven by Professional, scientific and technical services (62,000 people, 29.1%) and Construction (38,000 people, 16.2%). This was offset by decreases in Employment for Accommodation and food services (-39,000 people, -11.7%), and Administrative and support services (-37,000 people, -30.6%).
  • Wages and salaries increased 7.6% ($7.9b), with Professional, scientific and technical services up 28.9% ($4.6b) and Construction rising 16.6% ($2.4b).
  • Sales and service income increased 14.5% ($71.9b), with the largest increases in Retail trade at 23.2% ($17.3b), Professional, scientific and technical services at 40.9% ($16.6b), and Construction 17.3% ($13.3b).
  • EBITDA decreased 3.1% (-$2.3b). The largest contributors to this decline were Manufacturing at -30.0% (-$1.6b) and Transport, postal and warehousing at -33.6% (-$1.5b).

Medium businesses

  • Medium businesses (those with 20-199 employees) contributed a 20-30% share to the overall total of most data items, with the exception of OPBT (14.0%) and EBITDA (15.4%). 

In 2021-22, compared to 2020-21, medium businesses reported significant increases in all key data items, with the largest increases appearing in OPBT and Sales and service income.

  • Employment increased by 161,000 people (5.7%), driven mainly by Health care and social assistance (50,000 people, 18.9%), and Accommodation and food services (40,000 people, 13.4%).
  • Wages and salaries increased 6.8% ($12.8b). The increase was driven by the Construction industry (11.1%, $2.4b) and Health care and social assistance (18.0%, $2.3b).
  • Sales and service income increased by 13.8% ($124.0b), led by increases in Wholesale trade (16.1%, $29.6b), Mining (55.0%, $17.1b), and Construction (13.8%, $14.6b). 
  • OPBT increased by 49.8% ($31.9b), led by the Mining industry, which rose 889.2% ($15.4b) and Wholesale trade, up 41.8% ($3.8b).

Large businesses

  • Large businesses (those with more than 199 employees) contributed a 35-45% share to the overall total of most data items. 

In 2021-22, compared to 2020-21, large businesses reported strong increases in all key data items. 

  • Employment increased by 180,000 people (4.5%), driven primarily by Administrative and support services (37,000 people, 9.6%), Retail trade (33,000 people, 4.8%), and Health care and social assistance (23,000 people, 3.1%).
  • Wages and salaries increased by 8.3% ($24.9b), driven by Administrative and support services (19.8%, $5.0b), Health care and social assistance (9.0%, $3.8b), and Professional, scientific and technical services (9.6%, $3.2b).
  • Sales and service income increased 13.7% ($216.6b), led by increases in Mining (18.9%, $50.4b), Wholesale trade (16.6%, $39.1b), and Manufacturing (15.2%, $30.7b).
  • OPBT increased by 58.6% ($111.3b). This was driven by Mining, which increased 52.6% ($49.5b), and Professional, scientific and technical services, which rose 98.7% ($37.3b). 

For more information and estimates classified by business size refer to Table 5 'Business size by industry division' in the 'Australian Industry by division' data cube.

State and territory performance

In 2021-22, east coast states New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland accounted for the largest share of each of the three key state economic indicators: Sales and service income, Employment and Wages and salaries.
The key economic indicators for most states and territories were comparable to the population distribution in the Estimated Resident Population. New South Wales had the largest population share at 31.4%, corresponding to the largest share of total Sales and services income at 31.2%. Northern Territory had the smallest population share at 1.0%, which corresponded to the smallest share in total Sales and service income.

State and territory growth

In 2021-22, when compared to 2020-21:

  • All states and territories experienced growth in all three key state economic indicators for Total selected industries.
  • Queensland’s $816.8b contribution to total Sales and service income growth ($134.5b) was driven by the Mining industry ($40.0b) and Wholesale trade ($21.0b), while New South Wales’ growth ($133.1b) was driven by Wholesale trade ($23.2b), the Mining industry ($18.2b) and the Construction industry ($13.4b).
  • The Professional, scientific and technical services industry had the largest increase in Employment, with total growth of 90,000 people (7.5%). This was driven by growth in the industry in all states and territories, from 1,000 people in Tasmania (%) to 33,000 people in Victoria (10.1%). 
  • Agriculture, forestry and fishing was the only industry that saw a decline in Employment in most state and territories, recording a decline of 11,000 people (-2.5%), with New South Wales experiencing the largest Employment decline (-6,000 people, -4.9%).

Sales and service income share across states and territories

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A map of Australia depicting states and territories share of Sales and service income in 2021-22:

  • New South Wales had the largest share of Sales and service income at 31.2% ($1,313b), followed by Victoria at 24.2% ($1,017b). 
  • Wholesale trade was the largest industry for New South Wales and Victoria, contributing 17.4% ($228.7b) and 17.3% ($175.5b) respectively.
  • Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory contributed the least to overall Sales and service income, each respectively accounting for 1.4% ($59.8b), 1.3% ($54.2b) and 1.1% ($45.4b) of Sales and service income share.
  • Wholesale trade and Retail trade were the top contributing industries to Sales and service income for Queensland and South Australia, contributing a combined 27.1% ($221.2b) and 33.2%% ($77.0b) respectively.
  • The Mining industry contributed 36.8% ($246.4b) to Sales and service income for Western Australia.

Employment share across states and territories

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A map of Australia depicting states and territories share of Employment in June 2022:

  • New South Wales had the largest share of national Employment at 4.0 million people (32.4%), followed by Victoria at 3.2 million people (26.2%) and Queensland at 2.4 million people (19.6%). 
  • In Victoria, Retail trade was the highest employing industry with 392,000 people (12.1%).
  • Health care and social assistance was the largest employer for New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory. The industry employed 479,000 people (11.9% of total state employment) in New South Wales, 328,000 people (13.5%) in Queensland, 114,000 people (14.7%) in South Australia, 151,000 people (11.0%) in Western Australia, 35,000 people (15.1%) in Tasmania, and 15,000 people (14.0%) in the Northern Territory.
  • For the Australian Capital Territory, Professional, scientific and technical services was the highest employing industry, employing 40,000 people (19.4% of the state total).

Wages and salaries share across states and territories

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A map of Australia depicting states and territories share of Wages and salaries in 2021-22:

  • New South Wales accounted for the largest share of wages at 33.2% ($238.0b), followed by Victoria at 25.5% ($183.2b) and Queensland at 18.8% ($135.2b).
  • Professional, scientific and technical services had the largest share of wages in New South Wales (17.2%, $41.0b), Victoria (16.6%, $30.4b), and Australian Capital Territory (29.2%, $3.6b).
  • Health care and social assistance had the largest share of wages in Queensland (12.5%, $16.9b), South Australia (13.6%, $5.6b), and Tasmania (15.2%, $1.8b).
  • Mining had the largest share of wages in Western Australia (18.4%, $16.6b), whilst Construction had the largest share of wages in Northern Territory (17.3%, $1.1b).
  • Tasmania had the lowest average Wages and salary per person employed at approximately $50,000, whilst Western Australia had the highest average Wages and salary per person employed at approximately $66,000.

Note that average wages and salaries have been calculated using wages and salaries for the full financial year 2021-22 and exclude the drawings of working proprietors and partners of unincorporated businesses, whereas Employment is a point in time estimate at June 2022 and includes working proprietors and partners, so the ratio should be used with caution.

For more information and estimates classified by state and territory refer to Table 6 'States and territories by industry division' in the 'Australian industry by division' data cube.

For information about the method used to derive state and territory estimates, please refer to the Methodology section on Estimation Methodology: State and Territory estimates

Changes in this release

Time Series Spreadsheets

Time series spreadsheets containing key data items for all industries have been included with this release.

The data contained in these spreadsheets is consistent with the existing datacubes.

  • Key data items in these spreadsheets are available from 2006-07 to 2021-22.
  • Off-June adjusted data are available from 2010-11 to 2021-22.
  • State splits of selected data items are available from 2007-08 to 2021-22.

A time series spreadsheet user guide is available to assist users in making the best use of this format.

Data Explorer

The same data available in the time series spreadsheets has also been loaded into data explorer, which enables users to filter data to match their requirements.

For information on Data Explorer and how it works, see the Data Explorer user guide.

Data downloads

Australian Industry consultation

The ABS welcomes your views on this publication through a short survey on the ABS Consultation Hub. Results from this consultation may include changes to the content, format or release schedule of this publication in the future.

The ABS would like to thank businesses for their continued support in responding to our surveys.

Data files

Time series spreadsheets

The data contained in these spreadsheets is consistent with the existing datacubes.

  • Key data items in these spreadsheets are available from 2006-07 to 2021-22.
  • Off-June adjusted data are available from 2010-11 to 2021-22.
  • State splits of selected data items are available from 2007-08 to 2021-22.

Unless otherwise stated the basis of all data is original, not off-june adjusted.

Data files

Data Explorer datasets

Caution: Data in the Data Explorer is currently released after the 11:30am release on the ABS website. Please check the time period when using Data Explorer.

For information on Data Explorer and how it works, see the Data Explorer user guide.

Australian Industry - Annual estimates of key economic and financial performance of industries in Australia, including income, expenses and profit measures.

Previous catalogue number

This release previously used catalogue number 8155.0.

Post release changes

22/01/2024: The Australian Industry Employment and IVA data and movements table in the Key statistics section was updated to correct the percentage change for Industry value added for Arts and recreation services.

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