PRICES

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

The all groups consumer price index (CPI) for Brisbane increased by 4.8% in the 12 months to March quarter 2008, compared to a 4.2% rise in the weighted average of the eight capital cities. The higher result in Brisbane is largely due to stronger than average rises in housing, with less significant contributions from financial and insurance services and transportation.

Brisbane's CPI rose by 1.3% between the December quarter 2007 and the March quarter 2008, the same increase as for the weighted average of the eight capital cities. Automative fuel was the main contributor to this increase with housing costs (both purchase and rents) and food prices also contributing strongly to the increase.

In the March 2008 quarter, the categories with the largest percentage increases in Brisbane were Education (5.6%), Health (4.9%) and Transport (2.3%). Clothing and footwear (-2.2%) and Recreation (-1.1%) experienced the strongest falls in prices between the December quarter 2007 and the March quarter 2008.

For more detailed information on the consumer price index, please refer to Consumer Price Index, Australia (cat no. 6401.0) or ring the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070. This publication is released quarterly.