As flagged earlier today government.......>

AUSTRALIA: As flagged earlier today government spending and net trade were the

notable positive inputs into GDP. The ABS notes "government final consumption

expenditure rose 2.7% in the quarter and remains strong through the year at

6.2%. State and local government consumption expenditure was the main

contributor to growth with increases in both employee expenses and non-employee

expenses. National non-defence consumption expenditure also contributed to

growth with continued spending on disability and aged care services."

- The ABS also noted that "household final consumption expenditure increased

0.4% in the quarter, with through the year growth moderating to 1.4%. The growth

in household consumption was modest across most categories. However, there were

falls in household spending on purchase of vehicles and electricity, gas and

other fuel."

- Elsewhere "investment in new and used dwellings fell by 6.0% in the quarter.

Through the year growth is down 10.9%. These falls are consistent with the

weakness in dwelling approvals. All states and territories recorded falls in

dwelling investment with the exception of Tasmania."