Colin Brinsden, AAP Economics and Business Correspondent
(Australian Associated Press)

CHANGES TO CONSUMER PRICE INDEX IN DECEMBER QUARTER:

(Note: Quarterly change, followed by annual change)

* CPI – up 0.9 per cent in quarter (up 0.9 per cent annually)

* Food and non-alcoholic beverages – up 0.2 per cent (up 2.3 per cent)

* Alcohol and tobacco – up 4.2 per cent (up 9.3 per cent)

* Clothing and footwear – down 1.0 per cent (down 1.3 per cent)

* Housing – down 0.6 per cent (down 0.9 per cent)

* Furnishings, household equipment and services – up 3.4 per cent (up 3.6 per cent)

* Health – up 1.3 per cent (up 2.6 per cent)

* Transport – up 0.9 per cent (down 4.6 per cent)

* Communication – down 0.4 per cent (down 2.7 per cent)

* Recreation and culture – up 1.6 per cent (flat or 0.0 per cent)

* Education – up 1.2 per cent (up 2.1 per cent)

* Insurance and financial services – up 0.1 per cent (up 1.2 per cent)

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