Following a sustained period of very strong growth to the March quarter 1999, GDP growth in the June quarter moderated to 0.2 per cent.
Year-average growth in 1998-99 was a very strong 4.5 per cent, a little above the May Budget forecast of 4 per cent and similar to the 4.8 per cent growth outcome in 1997-98. The moderation in growth in the June quarter is consistent with the outlook in the Budget, easing from the four plus per cent growth experienced in 1997-98 and 1998-99, to 3 per cent growth in 1999-2000.
In the face of the Asian financial crisis and much slower world growth, the June quarter growth outcome of 4.1 per cent through the year represented the ninth consecutive quarter in which growth has exceeded 4 per cent in through-the-year terms. This is the longest, sustained period of GDP growth of 4 per cent or better since the early 1970s.
Australias economic growth and low inflation outcomes remain favourable by international comparisons.
Domestic demand has grown over the past two quarters, with flat growth in the June quarter following a 2.1 per cent jump in the March quarter. Domestic demand will continue to be supported by strong employment growth, high productivity, healthy corporate profitability, historically low interest rates and low inflation outcomes.
Net exports detracted from growth in the June quarter, reflecting steady export volumes and higher domestic import volumes arising from strong domestic demand through the year. Sluggish export volumes and a fall in export prices in the quarter highlights the difficult world trading conditions for our exporters, particularly in East Asia despite recent signs of a turnaround in most markets. The international environment is expected to improve as 1999-2000 proceeds.
The National Accounts provide ongoing evidence of subdued price pressures, with the household consumption deflator rising by only 0.1 per cent in the June quarter and by 1.1 per cent through the year. This is broadly in line with the movements in the Consumer Price Index.
The Government has forecast growth slowing through 1999 and picking up through 2000 as the world economy picks up. Commencing in July 2000, The New Tax System will contribute further towards raising the economys growth potential through more efficient resource allocation and by providing improved incentives to work, save and invest.