8143.0 - Information Technology, Australia, Preliminary, 1998-99  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 29/05/2000   
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MEDIA RELEASE

May 29, 2000
Embargoed: 11:30 AM (AEST)
63/2000

Significant change in the Information Technology and Telecommunication Industry


The information technology and telecommunications (IT&T) industry has undergone significant change over the three years to 1998-99, according to preliminary figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

The Australian IT&T industry's total income in 1998-99 was $59 billion, an increase of 21 per cent over 1995-96. The industries contributing to this outcome were telecommunication services with an increase in income of 40 per cent since 1995-96, computer services with a rise of 32%, wholesale trade with a rise of 12 per cent and manufacturing with a fall of 33 per cent

Revenue from the domestic production of IT&T goods and services in 1998-99 was $39 billion, 27 per cent higher than in 1995-96. Telecommunication and computer services recorded increases of 40 per cent and 31 per cent respectively, however, production of manufactured IT&T goods decreased by 27 per cent over the three year period.

The decline in domestic production of manufactured IT&T goods was offset by a 21 per cent increase in imports of these products.

At 30 June 1999, Australia's IT&T sector consisted of 18,469 IT&T businesses, an increase of 36 per cent since the last survey in 1995-96. There were 195,580 persons working in IT&T businesses, representing a 4 per cent decrease since 1995-96.


Domestic production and imports of IT&T goods & services
Domestic production Imports
1995-96 ($m)
1998-99 ($m)
% change
1995-96 ($m)
1998-99 ($m)
% change

Computer/telecommunications equipment, etc
4,800
3,525
-27
8,897
10,726
+21
Computer services
8,375
10,977
+31
481
997
+107
Telecommunication services
17,773
24,829
+40
1,040
1,465
+41
Total
30,948
39,331
+27
10,418
13,188
+27


Income and employment of IT&T industries

Income and employment of IT&T industries
Total incomeEmployment

1995-96 ($m)
1998-99 ($m)
% change
1995-96 ($m)
1998-99 ($m)
% change
Manufacturing
4,766
3,178
-33
17,295
10,014
-42
Wholesale
17,326
19,435
+12
39,629
35,180
-11
Telecommunication services
18,734
26,160
+40
91,701
74,910
-18
Computer services
8,088
10,648
+32
55,028
75,476
+37
Total
48,913
59,421
+21
203,653
195,580
-4


Further details can be found in Information Technology, Australia, Preliminary, 1998-99 (cat. no. 8143.0) available from ABS bookshops. The summary of the publication are also available on ths site. If you wish to purchase a copy of this publication, contact the ABS Bookshop in your capital city.