The latest Commonwealth Bank Business Sales Indicator reported a 1.8 per cent growth in sales in trend terms in the ACT throughout June, ahead of New South Wales and South Australia on 1.5 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively.

The boost in sales figures was the 21st consecutive rise for the capital, calculated through the value of credit and debit transactions processed through Commonwealth Bank point-of-sale terminals. Canberra also recorded a 16.4 per cent annual increase in spending.

But the increases aren’t being seen on the ground, according to ACT and Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Andrew Blyth.

“I’m not seeing it,” he said.

“Manuka business district have told us they’ve had their worst June ever. We had a restaurant at Gold Creek which had a booking for [just] four people on Saturday night. Honestly, I believe the wallets are staying in the back pockets.”

Mr Blyth said political uncertainty was taking its toll on the capital, whose residents are now facing hundreds of job cuts to the senior public service.

He said Prime Minister Kevin Rudd needed to announce an election date so businesses could plan and attempt to curb reported falls.

“If the election is called and gets out of the way, we may see a lift in confidence,” he said.

Nationwide, spending lifted by 1 per cent in June after all states and territories reported stronger sales. The annual growth was recorded at 8.7 per cent, taking figures to a five and a half year high.