Post-Pandemic Inflation Surge: Australia experienced a sharp rise in CPI after 2020, peaking in 2022–2023. Although inflation has started to ease by 2025, the overall cost-of-living remains elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Disproportionate Cost Increases for Vulnerable Groups: Government-dependent households particularly age pensioners and beneficiaries faced the steepest increases in the Living Cost Index (LCI), underscoring financial vulnerability despite limited income growth.
Persistent Housing Affordability Strain: Both renters and mortgage holders consistently spent close to 20% of their gross income on housing between 2015–2020, highlighting a long-standing structural issue in housing affordability.
Regional Housing Cost Disparities: Brisbane experienced a 6.7% quarterly increase in housing-related CPI, substantially higher than other cities. Indicating localized housing pressure and suggesting the need for region-specific policy responses.
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2025). Consumer Price Index, Australia, March Quarter 2025. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/consumer-price-index-australia/latest-release
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2025). Selected Living Cost Indexes, Australia, March Quarter 2025. https://www.abs.gov.au
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2016). Household Expenditure Survey, Australia. https://www.abs.gov.au
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2021). Census of Population and Housing: Estimating Homelessness. https://www.abs.gov.au