Australian online sales reach A$237 bn

Australian businesses raked in an estimated $237 billion from the internet in the 12 month period from 2011 to 2012,  a 25 per-cent increase from the $188.7 billion netted in 2010-11.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed, internet orders placed by Australian households, businesses and government, as also orders from overseas customers increased to 55 per cent in 2012, up from 51 per cent the previous year.

The statistics released also revealed a growth in innovative activity, with 47 per cent of businesses reporting innovation, as also increased use in IT.

According to the ABS' assistant director of the Innovation and technology statistics branch, Lesley Martin, larger Australian businesses had led the charge with innovation, and three quarters of these businesses introduced, developed and/or abandoned some type of innovation during 2011-12.''

Interestingly, according to Ms Martin, ''most businesses reported that they had introduced a new organisational or managerial process."

Data from the IT Use and Innovation in Australian Business 2011-12 report also showed 45 per cent of Australian businesses had a presence online presence, increasing slightly from 43 per cent in 2010-11.

The data compared to a recent report by Deloitte Access Economies, Connected Small Businesses, which showed a low to very low level of digital engagement among 59 per cent of respondents surveyed. Only 16 per cent made it in the high level category.

A total of 55 per cent of businesses placed orders online last year, which was up from 51 per cent in 2010-11, with 65 per cent of businesses in financial services placing orders over the internet, as against 55 per cent of national businesses.