This number stood at 950,000 in March 2023.
As of March 7.3 per cent of the workforce with multiple jobs comprised women whereas men stood at 6 per cent.
Household spending has nearly halved
In April 2024, monthly household spending increased at the rate of 3.4 per cent through the year.
Household spending from April 2023 has mostly seen an upward trend, except for a sharp fall in January this year.
Non-discretionary spending is on things people need or to meet a legal obligation, while discretionary spending can be considered optional.
Health-related spending on the increase
ABS data shows household spending on health is 15.7 per cent higher than a year ago.
“In contrast, discretionary spending (spending that can be considered ‘optional’) rose 0.6 per cent over the year as households continue to limit their spending on non-essentials.”
Along with higher spending on health, the overall rise in household spending was driven by increases in the miscellaneous goods and services category (12.9 per cent) which includes childcare, professional services and personal care; and in the furnishings and household equipment category (6.4 per cent).
