Dire warning for Aussies on the cost of living as latest inflation rate is revealed

Australia’s inflation rate has fallen but the moderation is only likely to be short-lived because it is based on taxpayer-funded electricity bill relief.

The consumer price index for July fell to 3.5 per cent, down from 3.8 per cent in June.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics noted $300 annual energy rebates, that came into effect on July 1, were behind the sharp fall in headline inflation.

‘The extended and expanded Commonwealth Energy Bill Relief Fund rebate, and the introduction of state government rebates, have begun to take affect from July 2024,’ it said.

‘These rebates have the effect of reducing electricity costs for households.’

The monthly inflation data for July showed a 5.1 per cent plunge in electricity costs over the year, marking a dramatic change from a long run of double-digit annual increases. 

Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced $300 rebates in four quarterly instalments of $75 in the May Budget.

Labor went to 2022 federal election promising to reduce power bills by $275 a year on average. 

Queensland’s Labor government has gone further and announced $1,000 annual power bill rebates, as the party battles to win a fourth, consecutive term in October. 

In its May Budget, Western Australia’s Labor government announced a $400 one-off electricity bill credit.

The Reserve Bank in June warned state and federal electricity rebates would only temporarily reduce inflation.

‘Recent budget outcomes may also have an impact on demand, although federal and state energy rebates will temporarily reduce headline inflation,’ it said.

The RBA’s own forecasts have headline inflation falling to 2.8 per cent by June 2025, putting it back within the Reserve Bank’s 2 to 3 per cent target for the first time since 2021.

But it has the consumer price index climbing again to hit 3.7 per cent by the end of next year. 

The battle against inflation is still far from over with rents soaring by 6.9 per cent in the year to July. 

Bread and cereal prices rose by 4.4 per cent while petrol prices were up 4 per cent. 

The consumer price index for July fell to 3.5 per cent, down from 3.8 per cent in June (pictured is a Woolworths shopper on Sydney’s lower north shore)