Economy of the Australian Capital Territory
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The economy of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is the fastest-growing, sixth biggest economy of Australia as of the end of the 2017-18 financial year.[update][4] Since the introduction of its self-government status in 1989, and with few exceptions in 1992, 1996, and 2014, the ACT economy has exhibited positive growth at a 1991-2018 average of 3.17 percent per year.[1] A vast majority of the economy is concentrated in Canberra, the capital city of Australia, and is composed primarily (about 75%) by service industries, particularly those related to the administration of federal and local government. Construction also contributes to an important part of the economy, boosted by large government-funded projects and an active residential market. In contrast to other Australian states and territories, primary sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and mining, represent a very small proportion of the economy (±1%).[5][6] A negative balance of trade has characterised the ACT economy since 2012-13, with small goods trade and a growing service export industry comprised mainly by education and public administration services.[7]
Currency | Australian dollar (AUD) |
---|---|
1 July 2018 - 30 June 2019 | |
Statistics | |
GDP | A$39.44 billion (2017-18)[1] |
GDP growth | 4.0%[1] |
GDP per capita | A$94,831 |
GDP by sector | Agriculture: <1.0% Industry: 8.0% Services: 75.4% (2017-18) |
GDP by component |
|
1.8% | |
1.5% (nationally set by RBA) | |
Labour force | 236,500 |
Labour force by occupation |
|
Unemployment | 3.6%[2] |
A$91,336 yearly[3] | |
Main industries | |
External | |
Exports | A$2,230 million |
Export goods | A$21 million |
Imports | A$2,738 million |
Import goods | A$265 million |
Public finances | |
Revenues | A$5.7 billion |
As of March 2019[update], the ACT exhibits the lowest unemployment rate at 3.6 percent, with almost a third of workers being employed in the public sector.[8] State inflation has been slightly greater than the national rate since mid 2017, reaching 1.8% in the year to Q1 2019.[9] As per the 2016 census, median weekly personal income was A$998, while in 2017-18 total yearly disposable income per capita was A$91,336.[10][11] Fiscal policy since 2012 has been expansionary, with gradual reductions in payroll tax rates and stamp duties (specially those related to SMS businesses and other small commercial properties). ACT SMS businesses have received government support thorough marketing and financial initiatives since 2012. The A$5.7 billion 2018-19 budget put emphasis on healthcare services, education, and justice and other community services.[12][13]