The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has risen by 0.4 per cent in the September quarter 2018, according to latest figures released by Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).  

The recent figures followed the rise of 0.4 per cent in the June quarter 2018. 

The most significant positive contributor to the CPI in the September quarter 2018 was international holiday travel and accommodation with a 4.3 per cent rise. 

Fruit costs followed with a 2.4 per cent rise, property rates and charges with 2.3 per cent and tobacco with 1.8 per cent. Automotive fuel also showed a significant rise with 1.4 per cent. 

The most significant negative contributor which partially offset the rise was in child care with -11.8 per cent. Telecommunications equipment and services followed with -1.5 per cent, and furnishings, household equipment and services with -1.2 per cent. 

“Annual growth in the CPI fell back below 2 per cent in the September quarter 2018. Modest rises in housing costs, including rents, utilities and property rates, and a fall in child care out-of-pocket expenses, saw a subdued rise in the CPI this quarter,” Chief Economist for the ABS, Bruce Hockman said. 

Overall, from year to September quarter 2018, Australia saw a 1.9 per cent growth in CPI. The most significant figure in 2018 was in the June quarter with 2.1 per cent.