The Market Online - At The Bell

Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights

  • The arts and entertainment industry posts strong growth in March as much of the country sees COVID-19 restrictions ease almost entirely, according to the ABS
  • Entertainment and events venues were able to operate at higher capacities, resulting in an 18.3 per cent rise in business turnover for the arts and recreation services industry
  • According to the ABS data, 12 out of the 13 measured industries increased business turnover in March, with wholesale trade the only industry to fall, shrinking by 4.2 per cent
  • Nevertheless, all sectors are up year-on-year, with soaring commodity prices seeing the mining industry grow business turnover by 38.6 per cent through the year

The arts and entertainment industry posted strong growth in March as much of the country saw COVID-19 restrictions eased almost entirely, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Alongside its latest stats on retail trading volumes, the ABS today reported business turnover around Australia increased in 12 out of the 13 measured industries in March.

ABS Head of Business Indicators Branch Branko Vitas said with the easing of restrictions across most of the country, entertainment, hospitality, and events venues were able to operate at higher capacities and service more guests.

The result was an 18.3 per cent rise in business turnover for the arts and recreation services industry over March. Accommodation and food services rose 5.9 per cent.

The electricity, gas, water and waste services industry posted a 7.3 per cent increase in business turnover, this was driven by soaring electricity prices in most regions rather than Australia’s ongoing economic recovery.

Meanwhile, wholesale trade was the only industry to record a fall in turnover last month, shrinking by 4.2 per cent. This followed strong rises in January and February.

Looking at year-on-year business turnover, soaring commodity prices over the past year have added some extra sheen to Australia’s mining industry, with business turnover in mining up a whopping 38.6 per cent through the year.

The transport, postal, and warehousing industry has also recorded stellar growth through the year of 33.6 per cent.

All other industries have recorded year-on-year increases in business turnover, with construction recording the smallest rise but still up six per cent.

More From The Market Online

Bullock: Hold call doesn’t rule out further tightening, if that’s required to beat inflation

Michele Bullock has made it very clear that the Reserve Bank is still strongly considering more rate hikes, especially if it’s the only

Reserve Bank holds rates at 4.35% as inflation battle drags on

The Reserve Bank has left the cash rate unchanged at 4.35%, warning inflation remains too high…
Global trade disruption concept with container ships blocked from entering or exiting the Strait of Hormuz. Maritime blockade and geopolitical tension affecting international supply chain and shipping routes.

Markets rally, ASX surges as US-Iran strike preliminary deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Australian shares rallied after the US and Iran confirmed a landmark ceasefire agreement, lifting miners, banks…
Close-up view of erupting molten lava, showcasing the intense heat and dynamic nature of volcanic activity.

Records up top, energy melt down, all eyes back on rech

Records on top. Regime turn underneath. Three U.S. indices closed at record highs into a holiday-shortened week. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index ripped +5.53%...