Change in consumption per person during COVID-19 pandemic in Australia 2020

In August 2020, consumer spending on gyms and fitness during the coronavirus pandemic in Australia had reached 90 percent of the normal weekly spending on this activity. However, this was an improvement on previous months. The effects of lockdown measures and social distancing also saw decreased spending on transport, travel, and pubs and venues. On the other end of the spectrum, spending on food delivery increased remarkably alongside spending on home improvement and online gambling.

 Impact on business

With foot traffic in all capital central business districts greatly reduced, brick and mortar businesses were experiencing a corresponding reduction in physical sales. By July 2020, almost all trade, accommodation, and foodservice businesses were operating under modified conditions. Businesses outside of the service industry were only moderately affected by comparison. Despite support from the Australian government in the form of subsidies and payments to maintain staff, almost a quarter of businesses receiving support indicated that they may close their business once coronavirus support measures end.

A rising unemployment rate

Australia’s unemployment rate has traditionally been quite stable, remaining between five and six percent for over a decade. Yet in 2020 the unemployment rate was expected to reach over 7.5 percent with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicating that this would continue to rise into 2021. This is unsurprising given the number of people who have lost employment or have been temporarily stood down as a result of business lost due to the coronavirus pandemic.