Economic growth strengthens

Australia's economy grew by 0.9 per cent in the September quarter and by 2.5 per cent over 12 months to September, official figures show.

ECONOMIC GROWTH STRENGTHENS IN SEPT QTR:

* Sept qtr up 0.9pct

* June qtr up 0.3pct

* March qtr up 0.9pct

* Dec qtr up 0.4pct

* Annual growth of 2.5pct (12 months to Sept)

HOUSING AND MINING EXPORTS DRIVING GROWTH

* Investment in housing, up 0.9pct

* Household spending, up 0.7pct

* Private sector investment, down 2.9pct

* Total spending within Australia, down 0.6pct

* Exports up 4.6pct

* Imports down 2.4pct

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (seasonally adjusted figures)