Between March 2024 and March 2025, wages in Australia declined by around 0.6 percent. Wage growth in recent years has been relatively low in comparison to previous years, in particular in December 2020, which only saw a wage growth of 1.3%. Inflation and CPI outstripping wages While wages have increased in Australia, they have still not matched the rate of inflation, which was sitting at 2.4 percent at the end of 2024, down from a high of 7.8 percent at the end of 2022. The high cost of goods has also put pressure on the public, with the Consumer Price Index standing at around 139.4 points, compared to a base year of 2011-12. Rent is on the rise As with many around the world, Australians are also feeling the costs of rent increases. The majority of people in Australia perceive that the cost of rent has risen significantly in their local area. This in turn has seen the government expenditure on rental assistance continue to be high, with around 4.7 billion Australian dollars spent to assist the Australian public in maintaining their housing needs.

Canteen license revenue as included in the NSW Department of Education’s Annual Report, and as included in individual NSW government school Annual Reports.

Data Notes:

• The choice of method of operation of school canteens must be made in consultation with parent organisations in determining the best outcome for the school and its community.

• A standard canteen license agreement provides a set fee over a committed time period. Whilst the licensee administers the canteen, the principal maintains control over the agreement including the types of food sold.

• For calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022, fee waivers provided to external canteen operators (due to Covid-19)were reported as canteen license revenue.

Data Source:

• Financial Controlling, Finance Directorate, NSW Department of Education