Household spending in Australia rose 1.6% mom in March 2026, picking up from 0.3% in the prior month. This marked the third straight monthly increase and the strongest growth since September 2023. Spending accelerated for food (1.7% vs 1.2% in February), clothing (1.3% vs 0.2%), health (0.3% vs 0.2%), and recreation (1.3% vs 1.1%). Outlays also rebounded for transport (5.1% vs -0.3%), furnishings and household equipment (1.6% vs -0.5%), and miscellaneous goods and services (1.7% vs -0.3%). In contrast, spending fell for alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-0.1% vs -0.5%) and for hotels, cafes, and restaurants (-0.9% vs 0.4%). Regionally, spending grew across all states and territories, including New South Wales (1.7%), Victoria (1.2%), Queensland (1.9%), South Australia (1.7%), Western Australia (1.6%), Tasmania (2.0%), and Northern Territory (0.1%). On an annual basis, household spending increased 6.3%, faster than a 4.7% gain in February and marking the fastest pace since September 2023.