Victorian consumers are the most optimistic in Australia, according to the latest Westpac Melbourne Institute Index of Consumer Sentiment.
The index showed consumer sentiment in Victoria increased by 4.9 per cent in August to 104.0, ahead of the national figure of 101.0.
The Victorian index is now 12.6 per cent higher than at the time of the last election when confidence languished in negative territory under the watch of the previous government.
The survey also reported that consumer confidence in the indices of family finances, time to buy a dwelling, and expectations for economic conditions, had all risen in Victoria.
The largest increase was recorded in the index of expectations for economic conditions over the next 12 months which rose by 16.1 per cent, and is now 22.1 per cent higher than a year ago.
A reading above 100 indicates that the number of people answering the survey who are optimistic exceeds the number of pessimists.
The latest survey results closely follow last week’s Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) building approvals data that showed Victoria growing from strength to strength.
The ABS said the total value of building approvals throughout Victoria increased by nearly 10 per cent in June to $2.86 billion – up 28.5 per cent over the year.
The value of residential building approvals over the year was also up – 22.6 per cent – while the value of non-residential building approvals was 44.6 per cent higher than 12 months ago.
Meanwhile, the number of dwelling units approved was up 25.4 per cent throughout the year.
In 2015-16, Victoria had the second highest value of total building approvals in the nation and the second highest number of dwelling unit approvals – contributing 29 per cent of Australia's total dwelling unit approvals.
In contrast, the total value of building approved nationally increased by just 5.3 per cent in June 2016 – up 6.5 per cent over the year.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“These figures show that the Andrews Labor Government’s work to create a strong and positive economic landscape is being reflected with business and consumer confidence, construction and jobs.”
“Strong consumer and business confidence means our economy continues to grow, which means more jobs for Victorians, with over 147,000 jobs created since this Government was elected.”
“We continue to see increasing optimism and unprecedented growth and demand across the state for commercial, public and residential infrastructure, catering for Victoria’s increasing popularity as Australia’s destination state.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020