Employer Bulletin | 31 July

Household living costs surged by 7.2 percent in the 12 months leading to June 2023, following a 7.7 percent increase in the 12 months to March 2023. Major contributors were higher interest payments and grocery food prices, partially offset by lower costs for private transport supplies like petrol and diesel. On 1st July 2023, half-price public transport fares and the 25 cents per liter cut in fuel excise duty and road user charges were removed. The impact on prices will be seen in the September 2023 quarter. Notable price changes include a 28.8 percent rise in interest payments and a 13.2 percent increase in grocery food costs.

In today's Bulletin

• Government strengthens cyber security
• Emissions Trading Scheme settings updated 
• Household living costs increase 7.2 percent
• PMs Hipkins and Albanese celebrate close ties and focus on the future 
• Limited visas
• Reallocation of ministerial portfolios
• Four Employment Relations Authority cases and seven Bills open for public submission