PRICES

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX

The all groups consumer price index (CPI) for Brisbane increased by 5.6% in the 12 months to September quarter 2008 compared with a 5.0% increase in the weighted average of the eight capital cities. Brisbane recorded the highest rise of any capital city and this higher result was largely due to stronger than average rises in housing, transportation and household contents and services.

Between the June quarter 2008 and the September quarter 2008 the Brisbane CPI increased by 1.4% compared with an increase of 1.2% for the weighted average of the eight capital cities. Brisbane recorded the third-highest CPI rise after Darwin and Canberra (1.7% and 1.5% respectively).

In the September 2008 quarter, most Brisbane price categories increased compared with the previous quarter. The largest increases were Housing (3.2%), Alcohol and tobacco (2.5%), Financial and insurance services (1.8%) and Transportation (1.6%).

Over the same period, Household contents and services decreased 1.2%, Health 0.6% and Education 0.4%.

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.