sydney dec 15 reuters  a measure of australian consumer sentiment took a step back in december as an outbreak of the omicron variant clouded the outlook for the economy and spending over the christmas period the westpacmelbourne institute index of consumer sentiment released on wednesday fell 10 in december wiping out novembers 06 gain the index reading was down 69 on december last year though at 1043 it meant optimists still outnumbered pessimists westpac chief economist bill evans noted there were sharp falls in new south wales and victoria where covid19 cases were highest the survey also found more concern about rising inflation which may have hurt spending plans the surveys measure of whether it was a good time to buy a major household item slid 53 in december to be down more than 13 on a year ago the strong growth outlook we see for 2022 is dependent on a surge in consumer spending as households reemerge from restrictions and draw down on the large savings accumulated through the covid lockdown periods said evans the surveys measure on the economic outlook for the next 12 months dipped 16 in the month while that for the next five years eased 05 in contrast the measure of family finances compared with a year ago firmed 10 while that for finances over the next 12 months rose 21