Australia : Recent Economic Developments

This paper reviews developments in the Australian economy during 1994–95. In 1994/95, real GDP grew by 4½ percent as growth in domestic demand accelerated sharply, rising by 6¾ percent, despite the impact of a severe drought on farm output. Business investment increased by 17½ percent with investment in plant and equipment rising by 21½ percent and that in nonresidential construction by 7¾ percent. Private consumption growth also rose strongly, by 5 percent, reflecting strong growth in employment and some acceleration in wage growth.