1304.5 - Stats Talk WA (Newsletter), Oct 2006  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 22/11/2006   
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WA Statistical Indicators (ABS cat. no. 1367.5)

Is the quality of life in Western Australia getting better?

Is the standard of living improving fast enough?

Can these changes be sustained into the future?

These questions have grown in significance for many Western Australians in recent years. Although Gross State Product is regarded as an important measure of progress, many analysts believe that it should be assessed in conjunction with other measures of progress.

An article measuring Western Australia’s progress featured in the 2006 September quarter edition of Western Australia’s Statistical Indicators (WASI) which was released onto the ABS Web site on 4 October 2006.

This study brings together a variety of statistics, enabling people to make a more informed judgement on whether the quality of life and standard of living in Western Australia are improving. It looks at 14 major areas of progress within the broad categories of: individuals; the economy and economic resources; the environment; and living together.

One of the most widely used indicators of population health is life expectancy at birth. In Western Australia, over the 10 years to 2004, life expectancy improved for both males and females. A boy born in 2004 could expect to live to be 78, while a girl could expect to reach 83 - an increase of 3 years for males and 2 years for females since 1994.

Also included in the 2006 September quarter WASI is an article summarising the results from the 2005 Western Australian Housing Motivations and Intentions Survey. Included is information on the motivators that affect Western Australians in their choice of current dwelling (and location of that dwelling), and their intentions regarding their future choice of housing.

For further information please contact Phil Smythe on 08 9360 5224 or email: phil.smythe@abs.gov.au