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A Queensland Council of Social Service QCOSS report, released 23rd May 2011, shows that in the last 5 years some common price rises have been:

• 23% Food
• 35% Rent

Source: http://www.gympietimes.com.au/story/2011/05/24/doing-it-tougher-than-statistics-say-we-are/

Average Wages in QLD have however, in the 5 years ended 2009-10, gone up by 32%.
from $ 920.60 pw in 2004–05 to $1,213.40 pw in 2009-10.

Source: http://www.oesr.qld.gov.au/products/tables/average-weekly-earnings-qld-aus/index.php

The report though, does in fairness, try to relate to the lower income groups, especially those on benefits only.

Unemployment benefits (Newstart Allowance) has, in this time frame, only risen by 20%, which is slightly less than the increase in food costs of 23%.

The full list of changes, quoted in the QCOSS report are:

- 52% Audio, TV’s and Computers
0% Motor Vehicles
+ 3% Household Appliances
+ 4% Clothing and Footwear
+ 23% Food
+ 35% Rent
+ 40% Insurance
+ 48% Public Transport
+ 63% Electricity, Gas and Water
+19% Overall CPI Basket

QCOSS Report: http://www.qcoss.org.au/upload/631__Cost%20of%20Living%20Report%202011%20for%20web.pdf

The electricity increase of 63% puzzled me, as I compared my own 2005 bills to my 2010 bills, which showed an increase of 46% over the 5 years.  I hadn’t thought it was that high, until I checked it.
My water bills however, went up by 109%.
Adding these together, I see I am very average, as they went up by a combined 63%.

Fortunately, Electricity and Water are only a small percentage of total expenses.

For people on average wages, with the average increase of 32%, it seems that the situation isn’t too bad, with us having more disposable income than we had 5 years ago.  But for those on benefits, and only a 20% increase, things have become worse.

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