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WA's retail industry going strong: ABS
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) latest snapshot of Western Australia shows
that WA's strong economic growth over the last 10 years has had a positive impact on
retail spending.
Retail turnover in Western Australia rose by 61% ($24 billion) in real terms between
1996-97 and 2006-07, an average of 5% ($900 million) per year.
Food, household goods and hospitality and services accounted for nearly three-
quarters (74%) of this growth.
Between 2002-03 and 2005-06, Western Australia's retail industry had the largest
proportionate increases in total income (up 26.1% or $7 billion) of all states.
Retail trade employs more people in Western Australia than any other industry.
In 2006-07 14% (155,000) workers were employed in retail trade, and just over half
(52%) of the businesses in Western Australia's retail industry were small businesses.
Perth consumers generally pay more for retail commodities than consumers in other
capital cities. In the June quarter 2007, Perth consumers paid the highest average for
meat; processed fruit and vegetables; and alcoholic drinks.
Regional family and household characteristics
WA's sea and tree change population - retired, couple only families - made up just
over a third of all families in both the Mandurah and Avon Arc regions (36% and 34%
respectively).
The Mandurah region also had the highest median age, at 43 years, as well as having
one person in five (20%) over the age of 65.
The youngest areas of the state were Roebourne, Leonora, Kalgoorlie and Dalwallinu,
all with a median age of 31.
Roebourne had the highest proportion of couple with children families (44%) as well
as the highest proportion of children under 15 (26%).
The Shire of Leonora had the highest proportion of lone person households (26%).
More information can be found in Western Australian Statistical Indicators (cat. no.
1367.5).
FURTHER INFORMATION: Media requests and interviews
Richard Lynch (02) 6252 6139; 0407 107 931
Ilona Fraser (02) 6252 7480; 0418 202 580
Statistical clarification
Trevor Draper (08) 9360 5394
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