CONSUMPTION


RETAIL TRADE

In seasonally adjusted terms, South Australia recorded the strongest retail growth in the nation in November 2009, rising 3.1% to $1,462.6m. Nationally, retail turnover rose 1.4% to $20,081.8m in November 2009. South Australia's contribution to total retail turnover in Australia was 7.3%.

Comparing November 2009 with November 2008, increases in retail turnover (in seasonally adjusted terms) were recorded across all industry groups in South Australia. The industry groups with the largest percentage increases were Clothing, footwear and personal accessory retailing which rose 11.4% to $91.4m; Department stores which rose 9.9% to $132.1m; and Household goods retailing which rose 8.7% to $290.2m.

NEW MOTOR VEHICLE SALES

In November 2009, 3,201 new passenger vehicles and 5,638 new vehicles in total (in seasonally adjusted terms) were sold in South Australia.

In Australia, 47,574 new passenger vehicles and 85,943 new vehicles in total (in seasonally adjusted terms) were sold in November 2009.

Note: Suspension of Trend Estimates

Following the Federal Government Budget in May 2009, the eligibility period for the Small Business and General Business Tax Break was extended to December 2009. The rebate level was also increased for small businesses, allowing eligible businesses to claim an increased tax deduction on the purchase of new motor vehicles.

The trend series attempts to measure the underlying behaviour in new motor vehicle sales. In the short term, this measurement may be significantly affected by unusual influences in the original and seasonally adjusted data, like those observed in May and June 2009. If the trend estimates in the publication were to be calculated without fully accounting for this irregular event, they would be likely to provide a misleading view of the underlying trend in new motor vehicle sales activity.

The new motor vehicle sales trend series has therefore been suspended from May 2009. The trend series will be reintroduced when more certainty emerges in the underlying behaviour of new car sales.