There has been a slight upswing in consumer confidence ahead of the federal budget, which may signal an improvement in the jobs market.
The ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence Index for the week to May 7 lifted 0.9 per cent to 112.3 points, from 111.3 the previous week, placing it above the 100-point level that indicates optimism.
ANZ head of Australian economics David Plank said it was encouraging to see stabilising consumer confidence after a period of decline.
"This stabilisation may be a sign of an improving labour market," he said.
But, he said, low wages growth and high levels of debt continue to put pressure on householders.
"The outlook for spending remains under pressure as households adjust to this reality," Mr Plank said.
The general economic outlook indicator, both near and long term, posted solid lifts of five per cent and 4.9 per cent, respectively.
But householders were not as cheery about their own finances, with confidence around current finances falling 3.3 per cent, more than offsetting the 2.6 per cent rise the previous week.
They were more positive about future finances, with that indicator increasing 1.2 per cent, partially reversing the previous week's 3.6 per cent fall.
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