Hobart’s consumer price index jumped 2.3% in the three months to the end of September, the equal second highest of the capitals in new ABS analysis.
Tasmania’s capital had the second largest rise in new dwelling costs due to shortages of building supplies and labour, high freight costs and ongoing strong construction activity.
Other contributing factors were electricity up by 12% in Tasmania, while takeaway and fast foods leapt 3.2%.
Annual inflation for Hobart at 8.6% is the highest of all the capitals and well above the national average of 7.3% which is at its most out of control in more than 30 years.
The message from state Labor’s Dean Winter is the government’s annual pay rise offer of 9% over three years to its public sector workforce just won’t cut it.
“CPI in Tasmania is going through the roof, prices are increasing faster now than they have since 1987 and the government needs to acknowledge that in its offer to public sector workers.”
Public sector staff are taking industrial action across Tasmania on November 9 as they fight for a better deal.
