WA Regional Price Index to include Indian Ocean Territories

Christmas Island (CI) and Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) will be included in the new WA Regional Price Index (RPI) study that is conducted by the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA DPIRD) every two years.

Services provided by WA DPRID to the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) are fully funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities" (DIRDC) Territories Division.

The RPI provides an insight into differences in the costs of goods and services for regional consumers.

RPI data is used by government and industry to determine a range of pricing decisions, including the calculation of District Allowances (WA Government) and private sector wage negotiations for remote locations.

Data collection for the RPI has now commenced, with final RPI figures anticipated to be published around October this year.

The last RPI conducted in the Indian Ocean Territories was in 2012, with the report finalised in February 2013.

Details of this report are available at: regional.gov.au/territories/publications/indian-ocean-territories-price-index-october-2012/index.aspx

Having CI and CKI included in the WA RPI is another example of how the Our Christmas Island 2030 Strategic Plan and the Our Cocos (Keeling) Island 2030 Strategic Plan are being implemented. Our Strategic Plans include actions to ensure a fair cost of living in our IOT. Copies of the Plans are available at regional.gov.au/territories/publications/index.aspx

Natasha Griggs
Administrator Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands