According to Australian industry group PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the strongest performers over the new year were the consumer related food and beverages and paper, printing and publishing sectors.

Seasonal factors and high interest rates contributed to a contraction of activity in the construction material products, wood, wood products and furniture, transport equipment and textiles sectors, says PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

Activity expanded in South Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania and Queensland, but contracted in Victoria and Western Australia.

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