The Australian Bureau of Statistics has today released 10 things that happened in the Australian economy during the September quarter 2025. 

1. The Australian economy continued to grow 

The Australian economy grew by 0.4 per cent during September quarter 2025 and matched the steady growth since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. GDP per person was flat this quarter following a 0.3 per cent uptick in June.

2. Falling borrowing costs and low vacancy rates created favourable conditions for property investors.  

Growth in the value of new investor loans of 17.6 per cent was the strongest quarterly growth since June quarter 2021. This compared with moderate growth of 4.7 per cent for owner occupiers. 

3. Household consumption rose, but mostly on the essentials

Household consumption rose 0.5 per cent during the quarter. The 4.2 per cent rise in spending on electricity was due to the phase out of State government rebates and increased usage during an especially cold winter. Spending on health was driven by a bad flu season where consumers bought more over the counter medicines.

4. Household savings increased as incomes outpaced payments

Employee incomes rose $6.2 billion during the quarter, while Australians paid around $2.6 billion more in income tax. Interest paid on housing loans fell for the third quarter in a row on the back of interest rate cuts. Households saved 6.4 per cent of their income during the quarter, compared to 6.0 per cent in June. 

5. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.5 per cent in the September month 

Growth in filled jobs were relatively flat, rising 0.7 per cent to 16.1 million. The total number of hours worked was 0.2 per cent higher than last quarter. Demand for labour eased slightly, with job vacancies down 1.9 per cent over the quarter. 

6. Private investment growth was driven by equipment for data centres

Business investment contributed 0.5 percentage points to GDP growth. Investment in machinery and equipment rose 7.6 per cent during the quarter, driven by the expansion of data centres as businesses look to take advantage of artificial intelligence and cloud computing capabilities.

7. Dwelling construction rises with drier weather on the East Coast 

Dwelling construction increased 1.8 per cent. This was largely driven by house building on the East Coast, where construction companies took advantage of dry weather. Average completion times for new houses fell during the quarter.  

8. Mining firms run down inventory stocks 

Mining production fell with increased maintenance at both iron ore and LNG sites. Mining inventory stocks were run down ($1.6 billion) to meet export demand. This drove an overall $1.9 billion rundown in inventories, which detracted 0.5 percentage points from GDP growth.

9. Accommodation and food services went up around sporting events and activities

Accommodation and food went up 0.2 per cent during the quarter and 3.6 per cent over the year. Footy finals, sporting tours and a bumper snow season drove high hotel occupancy rates.

10. Households pay more for electricity, travel and accommodation 

Consumer prices rose 1.3 per cent during the September quarter, and 3.2 per cent annually. The rise was caused by a 9 per cent increase in electricity costs as annual price reviews came into effect. Changes to the timing of Commonwealth bill relief rebates also had an impact in some States. The cost of travel and accommodation rose 2.9 per cent during the quarter due to school holiday demand.