1100.2 - Statistics Victoria (Newsletter), Issue 3, 2003  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 27/01/2004   
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In this issue

2002 General Social Survey
20 million Australians; State and regional indicators, Victoria
Population projections, Australia
Births, Australia
Participation in sport and physical activities, Australia
Aboriginal population characteristics
Education and work, Australia
Tourist accommodation, small area data, Victoria
Survey of motor vehicle use, Australia
Book publishing and retail
Socio-economic indexes for areas
Census: ageing, homelessness, computer use
Directory of Census statistics
Attendance at selected cultural venues and events, Australia
Sport and recreation, a statistical overview, Australia
Sports attendance, Australia
National health survey: injuries, Australia
Prisoners in Australia
Breastfeeding in Australia
Private health insurance
Australia's exporters
Australian national accounts, state accounts
Labour force experience, Australia
Wage and salary earners, public service, Australia
Career experience, Australia
Value of agricultural commodities produced, Australia
Household use of information technology, Australia
Internet activity, Australia
Private medical practices, Australia
Building activity, Victoria
Motor vehicle census
Sales of new motor vehicles
Classification and framework issues: sexual assault, occupation classification, geography changes
Other selected and recent releases
ABS statistical training
Points of contact

Selected recent and expected releases:

2002 General Social Survey

A profile of the socioeconomic characteristics of Australia's adult population was released on the 18th December, 2003. The report is based on the 2002 General Social Survey; and presents data on a range of social dimensions, including aspects of social attachment, and multiple advantage and disadvantage.

Of Australia's 14,503,000 adults (aged 18 years or more), 95% had at least weekly contact with family or friends they are not living with. This level of contact varied little across age groups or between men and women. Most adults (94%) felt that in a time of crisis they could get support from people outside of their household, with support coming mainly from family (88% of those who could get support) and friends (70%), but also from neighbours, work colleagues and community, government and professional organisations.


There were 141,500 couples (283,000 people) where one or both partners had children under 15 years of age living away from them. There were a further 226,000 people without a partner living with them that had absent children under 15 years old. Over 90% of the people with children of this age living away from them were providing some form of financial or other support for those children.

Just over one-third (34%) of adults undertook voluntary work in the 12 months prior to the survey, with the rate of volunteering highest in the 35 to 44 years age group. Volunteering rates were lower in major cities than elsewhere. More than half (57%) of adults experienced at least one potentially stressful situation involving either themselves or someone close to them in the year prior to interview. The most common potentially stressful situations reported were: serious illness (21%); death (20%); inability to obtain a job (14%); divorce or separation (11%); mental illness (8%); and alcohol or other drug related problems (8%).

There were 445,000 adults living in one family households with children under the age of 15 years that had no employed adult. These adults reported much higher levels of financial stress than those living in households with an employed adult. For example, 58% reported that their households could not raise $2,000 in a week for something important (compared with 14% in households where there was someone employed). Most children under 15 years of age (97%) lived in one family households. Within these households 548,000 children (14%) were living without an employed adult present. Of these children, 63% were living in one parent families.

Of all adults, 9% reported being the victim of physical or threatened violence in the last 12 months, while 11% had been victims of actual or attempted break-ins during the same period. The majority of Australian adults (84%) considered themselves to be in good, very good or excellent health. The proportion of people reporting fair or poor health generally increased with age, from 7% of those aged 18-34 years to 38% of those aged 75 years or over. Approximately 40% reported a disability or long-term health condition, with the rate again increasing with age.

Further details are in
General Social Survey, Summary Results, Australia, 2002 (cat. no. 4159.0). A set of tables will also be available January 21, 2004 for each state and territory via the web site www.abs.gov.au. Contact Jenny Harber on Canberra (02) 6252 5508 or email jenny.harber@abs.gov.au. The 2002 General Social Survey: Users' Guide (cat. no. 4159.0.55.002) is scheduled for ABS web site release in February 2004, and will outline the variables available for output.


News event: 20,000,000 Australians on 4 December, 2003.

On 4 November 2003, the Australian Statistician announced that, using all the latest available information, it was estimated that Australia's population would reach 20,000,000 on 4 December, 2003. To help celebrate this milestone the Federal Treasurer, the Hon Peter Costello, MP, presented a keynote speech at an event in ABS's Canberra Office on 4 December. The media widely reported on the theme.

1367.2 State and regional indicators, Victoria. Quarterly, September issue released 5/11/03.

For the 2002-03 financial year, the House Price Index (HPI) for established homes in Melbourne increased by 11.7%, compared with a 17.9% increase nationally. In trend terms, the number of Victorian dwelling units approved (3,884 approvals) in August 2003 decreased 0.5% from the previous month. The total value of Victorian building approvals was more than $1.3 billion in August 2003, up 2.7% from July and 3.7% higher than the previous year. Victorian retail turnover was estimated to be more than $3.5 billion for August 2003 in trend terms. This represented an increase of 0.5% since July 2003, and a 5.8% increase from August 2002.

The publication also includes information on labour force, prices, finance and natural resources specific to Victoria. An article on measuring workplace growth is featured in the publication. Victorian WorkCover Authority data was used to construct estimates of regional workplace numbers (at 30 June 2000, 2001 and 2002) for the purpose of measuring workplace growth. The article summarises the project's progress and includes a summary of main findings.

Contact John Rakopoulos in Melbourne on (03) 9615 7590 or email john.rakopoulos@abs.gov.au.

3222.0 Population projections, Australia, 2002-2101. Released 2/9/03.

The population projections span from June 2002 to June 2101 for Australia; and from June 2002 to June 2051 for the states, territories, capital cities and balance of states. The projections are not intended as predictions or forecasts, but as illustrations of growth and change in the population which would occur if certain assumptions about future levels of fertility, mortality and net overseas migration were to prevail over the projection period.

Two factors which have the greatest impact on future national population growth are fertility and overseas migration. The level of fertility affects not only population size and growth, but also the age distribution of the population. Net overseas migration affects the size of the population more than its age structure.

The ageing of Australia's population will continue. This is the inevitable result of sustained low fertility combined with increasing life expectancy at birth. The median age at June 2002 of 35.9 years will increase to between 40.4 years (Series A) and 42.3 years (Series C) in 2021.

Under Series B (medium series), New South Wales is projected to remain the most populous state in Australia, while Victoria will be replaced by Queensland as the second most populous state. Western Australia will increase its share of Australia's population, while South Australia's and Tasmania's shares will decline under this series.

With Series B, Melbourne will grow by 664,800 people (18.9%) to 4,188,999 persons from 2002 to 2021; while the balance of Victoria will increase 117,400 people (8.7%) to 1,465,900 persons. The proportion of Victoria's population aged 0-24 years will decline from 33.5% to 27.7% in this 19 year period, while those aged 65 and over will increase from 13.1% to 19.1% of Victoria's population. In the longer term; if one assumes for Victoria a 1.51 fertility rate, net annual overseas migration gain of 25,200 people and net internal migration (within Australia) loss of 6,000 persons; the median age of Victoria's population will increase from 38.8 years in 2011 to 46.9 years in 2051.

Under Series B, all capital cities will experience larger percentage growth than their respective state balances, resulting in further concentration of Australia's population within the capital cities. At June 2002, 64% of Australians lived in capital cities, but by 2051, this proportion will increase to 67%. Sydney and Melbourne will remain the two most populous cities in Australia at 5.7 million and 4.8 million respectively in 2051. In this series the population of Darwin will exceed that of Hobart from 2045.

Contact Matthew Montgomery in Canberra on (02) 6252 6487 or email matthew.montgomery@abs.gov.au.

3301.0 Births, Australia, 2002. Released 18/11/03.

In 2002, the median age of all women giving birth in Australia was 30.2 years, the highest on record. The median age of fathers was 32.5 years. There were 251,000 births registered in Australia during 2002. This was 4,600 births (1.9%) more than 2001 and the highest since 1997.

In Victoria during 2002, the median age of all women giving birth was 31.0 years, while the median age of fathers was 33.0 years. There were 61,478 births registered, 2,852 (4.9%) more than 2001 and the highest number since 1995. Nuptial births comprised 73.8% of births in 2002, ex-nuptial births 26.2%, and paternity-not-acknowledged 2.1%. The median duration of marriage for all nuptial confinements was 4.6 years, and for first nuptial confinements was 2.7 years.

The 1999-2001 (3 year) average total fertility rate was 1.56 births per woman in Melbourne, and 1.88 in the rest of Victoria; giving a Victorian average of 1.63 (1.68 in 2002). In Victoria during 2002, the following age-specific fertility rates occurred: 15-19 years (11.2 births per 1,0000 women), 20-24 years (42.8), 25-29 years (96.5), 30-34 years (116.9), 35-49 years (57.7), 40-44 years (10.2) and 45-49 years (includes births to women 50+ years, 0.5).

The 2002 Australian total fertility rate was 1.75 babies per woman. This rate has been relatively stable since 1998, ranging between 1.73 and 1.76 babies per woman. The Australian total fertility rate remained lower than that of the United States of America (2.1 babies per woman) and New Zealand (2.0), but higher than that of the United Kingdom (1.6), Japan (1.3) and many European countries such as Germany (1.4), Greece (1.3) and Italy (1.2).

Women aged 30-34 years experienced the highest age-specific fertility rate, with 111 babies per 1,000 women, while women aged 25-29 years experienced the second highest (104 babies per 1,000 women). Fertility of 20-24 year old women has continued to decline: over the past two decades, this group's fertility has almost halved, from 104 babies per 1,000 women in 1982 to 56 babies in 2002.

Of the states and territories, the Northern Territory recorded the highest total fertility rate (2.28 babies per woman), while the Australian Capital Territory recorded the lowest (1.59); and Victoria had 1.7. Victoria recorded the largest increase in births in 2002 (up 2,900 over the number registered in 2001), while there were fewer births in Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Contact Matthew Montgomery on Canberra (02) 6252 6487 or email matthew.montgomery@abs.gov.au.

4177.0 Participation in sport and physical activities, Australia, 2002. Released 8/12/03.

This publication presents results from the General Social Survey, 2002 relating to participation in sport and physical activities by persons aged 18 years and over. Details on those who participated in sporting events or other physical activities during the twelve months prior to interview are provided; together with the most popular sports, frequency of participation, and whether participation was in organised or non-organised events and activities. In this publication, the term 'participant' is defined as a player, competitor or person who physically undertakes the activity. Involvement by people as coaches, umpires and club officials is excluded from the data. Two tables address Victorian data.

Nearly two-thirds (62.4% or 9.1 million people) of the Australian population aged 18 years and over participated in sport and physical activities in the 12 months prior to interview in 2002. Slightly more males (65.0%) than females (59.9%) had participated in sport and physical activities at least once during this period. However, 38.6% (5.6 million) of the population had participated at least weekly, on average, during the 12 months prior to interview, with females (38.7% or 2.8 million) reporting similar weekly participation rates to males (38.6% or 2.8 million). The highest participation rate was recorded for walking for exercise, with over one-quarter (25.3% or 3.7 million people) having participated in this activity during the reference period. This was followed by aerobics/fitness and swimming, both with 10.9% or 1.6 million people. Almost one-third (31.4%) of the population aged 18 years and over had participated in sport and physical activities that were organised by a club, association or other organisation.

In Victoria, the most popular sports/physical activities for men aged 18 and over were: walking for exercise (19.9% participation rate), golf (12.5%), swimming (9.5%) and aerobics/fitness (9.5%). For women, it was walking for exercise (33.1%), aerobics/fitness (13.1%) and swimming (11.2%). Tennis (7.2% of persons) and cycling (6.1%) were also popular. Victorian male participation in sport and physical activities ranged from 85.7% of 18-24 year olds to 52.7% of males 65 and over; while females went from 68.7% of 18-24 year olds to 42.1% of women 65 and over.

Contact Benjamin Smith on Adelaide (08) 8237 7404 or email ben.smith@abs.gov.au.

4713.0 Population characteristics, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2001. Released 30/10/03.

This report is based on 2001 Census data, with much of the publication at national level. However, there is state level data in most chapters. In 2001, there were 27,846 Aboriginals resident in Victoria, of whom 13,655 resided in major cities. Information covered includes: remoteness, household type, language, religion, education, computer and internet use, employment, income, housing and transport. Companion edition 4713.0.55.001, electronic delivery. There is also a Victorian level data cube (cat. no. 4713.2.55.001), which contains many of the tables shown at national level in the main report, but not commentary.

The experimental estimated resident Indigenous population of Victoria was 27,846 or 0.6% of the estimated population of Victoria at 30 June 2001. Some 39% of Indigenous population was under the age of 15 years, compared with 20% for the non-Indigenous population. Indigenous persons (51%) were more likely than non-Indigenous persons (26%) to be living in regional Victoria. The households where Indigenous persons reside tended to be larger (3.1 people on average) than other households (2.6 people); more likely than other households to be renting (55% compared to 23%); and when renting, more likely than other households to rent from the State Housing Authority (35% compared to 14%).

Indigenous persons aged 15 years and over who had left school (22%) were less likely than non-Indigenous persons (42%) to have completed Year 12. Some 46% of Indigenous persons aged 15 years and over were employed, well below the 59% recorded for non-Indigenous population in 2001. Indigenous persons in the labour force were much more likely than non-Indigenous persons to be unemployed (18% compared with 7%). The average (mean) weekly equivalised gross household income for Indigenous Victorians ($415) was 70% of the income level for non-Indigenous Victorians ($589).

Contact Andrew Webster on Canberra (02) 6252 5583 or email andrew.webster@abs.gov.au.

6227.0 Education and work, Australia, May 2003. Released 5/12/03.

This publication addresses the educational experience of persons aged 15–64 years, especially in relation to their labour force status. Statistics were collected in May 2003 as a supplement to the ABS monthly Labour Force Survey. Survey information includes participation in education during the previous year and in survey month; labour force characteristics; type of education institution; level of education of current and previous study; level of highest non-school qualification; level of highest educational attainment; unmet demand for education in current year; and characteristics of apprentices. Several tables present state level data.

In May 2003, there were 13,075,100 persons aged 15–64 years nationally in scope of the survey, of whom 2,435,800 (19%) were enrolled in a course of study. Approximately 901,300 (37.0%) of these enrolled persons were attending a higher education institution, 701,900 (28.8%) were at school, 577,100 (23.7%) were at Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions, and 255,500 (10.5%) were at other educational institutions. Of persons enrolled in a course of study in May 2003, 52.6% were females, 43.4% were aged 15–19 years, and 62.8% were attending study full-time.

In Victoria, 658,900 persons aged 15-64 years were enrolled in a course of study, with 48.2% males and 51.8% females. School accounted for 198,000 persons (30.1% of enrolled persons), higher education 249,300 (37.8%), TAFE 144,000 (21.9%), and other institutions 67,700 (10.3%). Some 441,000 persons (66.9%) studied full-time, and 217,900 (33.1%) part-time.

Contact James Ashburner on Canberra (02) 6252 7934 or email james.ashburner@abs.gov.au.

8501.0 Retail trade, Australia, Oct 2003. Released 2/12/03 (monthly publication).

Victorian trend retail turnover has grown continuously over the 12 months to October 2003, increasing by $251 million (7.4%) from $3,399.0 million during October 2002 to $3,650.1 million in October 2003. During October 2003, food retailing ($1,490.1 mil.) was the largest retail sector, followed by household goods ($533.9 mil), and hospitality and services ($504.1 mil). Also important were other retailing ($419.9 mil), department stores ($320.5), clothing and soft goods ($250.4 mil), and recreational goods ($131.1 mil).

All retail sectors in Victoria, except recreational goods (minus 5.3%), showed turnover growth during the six months to Oct 2003: other retailing (21.2%), hospitality and services (9.9%), household goods (2.2%), department stores (2.2%), clothing and soft goods (1.2%), and food (0.8%).

Contact Graham Phillips on Canberra (02) 6252 5625 or email Graham.Phillips@abs.gov.au.

8635.2.55.001 Tourist accommodation, small area data, Victoria. June quarter 2003, released on 16 Dec 2004

This data cube (Excel format) presents results from the quarterly Survey of Tourist Accommodation (STA). The scope of the regular annual STA includes hotels, motels, guest houses and serviced apartments. For the four quarters of 2003 the STA's scope was expanded to include holiday flats, units, houses, caravan parks and visitor hostels.

Two tables' contents are listed to give an idea of the data set. Table 1. Accommodation establishments (with 15 or more rooms or units) by original, seasonally adjusted and trend series, Victoria; shows takings from accommodation and room occupancy rate data for the past 15 quarters. Table 2. Summary of hotels, motels, guest houses & serviced apartments Victoria; shows establishments (number), bed spaces (number), guest rooms (number), persons employed (number), guest arrivals ('000), guest nights ('000), room nights occupied ('000), takings from accommodation ($'000), room occupancy rate (percent), bed occupancy rate (Percent), and average length of stay (days) for the past 5 quarters. Sub-state level data on accommodation establishments is presented for the Melbourne Tourism Region, Victorian tourism regions and selected local government areas.

Comparing original series June 2002 with June 2003, Victorian hotels, motels and serviced apartments (each category comprised of establishments with 15 or more rooms or units) increased the number of guest nights by 7.0% (to 11,871,000), takings from accommodation by 6.8% (to $887.6 mil), bed occupancy rate by 2.2% (to 33.2%), and average length of stay by 5.0% (to 2.1 days). SARS, war in Iraq, bushfires, the collapse of Anset and rise of Virgin Airlines are factors which have affected tourism in the last couple of years.

Contact the Transport and Tourism Business Statistics Centre on 07 3222 6185, or email t_t.statistics@abs.gov.au.

9210.0.55.001 Survey of motor vehicle use: data cubes, Australia. Reference period 01 Nov 2001 to 31 Oct 2002. Released 15/10/03. Contains frequent state level data. See also cat 9208.0.

The Survey of motor vehicle use estimated that during the 12 months to 31 Oct 2002, Victorian motor vehicles used a total of 7,142 million litres of all types of fuel. The types of fuel used were: unleaded petrol (52.8%), diesel (25.3%), LPG/CNG (15.7%), lead replacement petrol (4.1%) and leaded petrol (2.1%).

Victorian registered vehicles were estimated to have driven 51,459 million kilometres in the reference 12 months: 48,500 million km (94.2%) within Victoria, and 2,958 million km (5.7%) interstate. On average for all vehicle types, 60.3% of km travelled were in Melbourne, 8.4% in other urban areas, 25.6% other areas within Victoria, and 5.7% interstate. Articulated trucks stood out for their high rate of travel interstate (40.4%), and their relatively low travel within Melbourne (18.6%). Bus travel was distributed across Melbourne (41.3%), other urban areas (21.3%) other areas within Victoria (29.8%), and interstate (7.6%). Some 63.9% of passenger vehicle travel occurred within Melbourne, 8.1% in other urban areas, 23.6% outside of urban areas, and 4.4% interstate. Passenger vehicles accounted for 78.3% of the total km travelled by Victorian registered vehicles, followed by light commercial vehicles (14.0%). The average annual distance travelled within Victoria for all vehicles was 14,900 km.

During the reference 12 months, older passenger vehicles tended to travel less distance: 1979 and earlier vehicles travelled an estimated average 5,900 km, those built 1980-89 11,000 km, and those built 1990 and later 16,900 km. Articulated trucks built 1990 or later travelled 135,000 km on average; compared with 35,300 km for a rigid truck and 21,200 km for a light commercial vehicle of the same period.

In total, Victorian freight vehicles carried an estimated 425,958,000 tonnes of freight during the 12 months. Rigid (49.4%) and articulated (44.7%) trucks carried most of this, followed by light commercial vehicles (5.9%). The main commodities (by weight) carried were 'Crude materials, inedible, except fuels' (29.2% of freight tonnage), food and live animals (20.3%) and manufactured goods (17.2%). Other categories of freight included (machinery and transport equipment (6.6%), tools of trade (5.0%), and mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials (4.8%).

Contact the Transport and Tourism Business Statistics Centre on 07 3222 6185, or email t_t.statistics@abs.gov.au.

1363.0 Book publishers, Australia, 2001-02. Released 12/9/03.

This publication presents results from the 2001–02 Book Publishers Survey, covering businesses which had either book publishing as their main activity or generated $2 million or more income from book publishing. As well as collecting financial information from book publishers, the survey sought details on the number and type of books published and sold. One table addresses state level data.

For 2001-02, 226 businesses in Australia were identified as book publishers while a further 12 were other major contributors. These 238 businesses sold a total of 129.5 million books valued at $1,340.8m. With a total income of $1,471.0m, expenses of $1,389.4m and a reduction in inventories of $21.0m, the overall operating profit before tax of these businesses was $60.6m

Book publishers and other major contributors sold $794.5m worth of printed books of general content covering non-fiction ($412.0m), fiction ($245.8m) and children's books ($136.7m). A further $534.2m worth of sales were for printed educational books, while sales of electronic books (which includes audio books) totalled $12.1m.

Export sales of books amounted to $186.0m or 14% of total book sales. Re-exports contributed $5.1m to this amount. The United States of America (USA) was the biggest single market, with sales totalling $68.1m, or 37% of the total value of book exports. Other significant markets were New Zealand ($37.4m), United Kingdom ($27.4m) and Asia ($12.7m).

At the last pay period ending June 2002, book publishers and other major contributors had a total employment of 5,138 people: 1,798 males and 3,339 females. In 2001-02, book publishers and other major contributors that were based, or had their head office, in New South Wales accounted for 50% ($676.0m) of total books sales. Victoria's contribution was 40% ($534.0m) of total book sales

Contact Helen Shannon on Adelaide (08) 8237 7420 or email helen.shannon@abs.gov.au.

1371.0 Book retailers, Australia, 2001-02. Released 14/10/03.

This publication presents the results from the 2001-02 Book Retailers Survey which collected information from businesses in four retail industries: newspaper, book and stationery retailing, where all employing businesses were in scope; and department stores; supermarket and grocery stores, and retailing n.e.c., where only businesses employing 200 or more people were in scope. Sales of books by these businesses is estimated to cover 97% of book sales by employing businesses to final consumers in Australia.

The publication provides details on the number and value of books purchased and sold, as well as information on book related operations of the four industries named above. Information is also provided on the detailed operations of bookshops, including their employment, expenses and income. One table has selected key aggregates by state.

At 30 June 2002, the head offices of 211 newspaper, book and stationary retailing firms were located in Victoria. This sector (newspaper, book and stationary retailing; for which the business's value of new book sales comprised at least 50% of all retail sales) employed 2,263 people across 285 Victorian retail locations, and provided $52.6 million in wages and salaries from a total income of $391.3 million.

Contact Helen Shannon on Adelaide (08) 82377420 or email helen.shannon@abs.gov.au.

2033.2.55.001 Census of population and housing: socio-economic indexes for areas (SEIFA), Victoria, Aug 2001. Released 7/10/03. See also: 2039.0 Information Paper on SEIFA; Released 6/11/03; reviewed below.

Contact Heather Burns in Melbourne on (03) 9615 7976 or email heather.burns@abs.gov.au.

2039.0 Information paper - Census of population and housing, socio-economic indexes for areas (SEIFA), Australia, 2001. Released 6/11/03.

This publication describes four summary measures, or indexes, derived from the 2001 Census of Population and Housing to measure different aspects of socio-economic conditions by geographic areas. The 2001 Census of Population and Housing provides information on a broad range of social and economic aspects of the Australian population. Nearly fifty questions of social and economic interest are asked in the census. People using census data are often interested not just in these items taken one at a time, but in an overview of a number of related items. Statistical techniques can be used to provide such summaries, and the indexes presented here are one type of summary measure.

In the 2001 SEIFA, there are four indexes. The most general index is the Index of Disadvantage. We have replaced the Urban and Rural Indexes of Advantage with an Index of Advantage/Disadvantage. This index is used to rank a Collection District (CD) in terms of both advantage and disadvantage. Any information on advantaged persons in an area will offset information on disadvantaged persons in the area. The other two indexes are the Index of Economic Resources and the Index of Education and Occupation.

Contact Michael Beahan in Canberra on (02) 6252 7007 or email Michael Beahan@abs.gov.au.

2048.0 Census of population and housing: ageing in Australia, 2001. Released 13/10/03.

This publication analyses characteristics of the older population drawing on 2001 census data. While a major focus is on the number and characteristics of older Australians (persons aged 65 years and over), it also explores the ageing process in Australia, as well as examining trends over time.

Information is organised into seven chapters, by major areas of social concern: population, cultural diversity, living arrangements, work and economic environment, transport, education, and technology. Data is mainly presented at national level, but the report also includes several tables, charts and maps at a more detailed geographic level. Many of the other national tables may be available at state or statistical local area level on request.

Additional statistical information about older people and ageing in Australia can be obtained from the National Ageing Statistics Unit, ABS on (07) 3222 6206.

2050.0 Australian census analytic program: counting the homeless, 2001, released 18/11/03.

On census night in 2001, the homeless population in Australia was 99,900 according to an academic report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today. Counting the homeless, 2001, by Associate Professor Chris Chamberlain from RMIT and David MacKenzie, a Senior Research Fellow from the Institute for Social Research at Swinburne University, analysed data from the 2001 Census and other sources. The report found that absolute homelessness, such as sleeping out and improvised shelter, accounted for only 14% of homelessness in Australia. Most homeless people were sheltered somewhere at night, about half staying temporarily with friends, acquaintances and relatives, but as a group homeless people were highly transient.

According to Chamberlain and Mackenzie, it is only after the homeless population is seen as anyone in need of safe and secure accommodation that the statistics start to paint a more complete picture of the Australian homeless population. In 2001, more than half (54%) of the homeless population were adults over 24 years of age, with 10% under the age of 12 years and 36% young people between 12 and 24 years. Some 42% of homeless people were female. The majority of homeless people were single (58,116 people or 58%), while 19% were couples (18,840 people or 9,420 couples) and 23% were in homeless families (22,944 people or 6,745 families).

A similar study released in 1999 showed there were 105,304 homeless people on census night in 1996. ABS Director of Census Products and Services, Michael Beahan, said this is the first in a series of research papers to be released under the ABS Australian Census Analytic Program. Academic analysis of the census count for homelessness provides an insight into the characteristics of the homeless population that is not available by looking at the raw data alone.

For further information contact Chris Chamberlain (RMIT University) on (03) 9925 2956, or David MacKenzie (Swinburne University) on (03) 9386 2909.

2056.0 Australian Census Analytic Program: Australia Online: How Australians are Using Computers and the Internet, 2001 New issue. Released 12/1/04.

This project examines the social, economic and regional factors which impact on computer and internet use in 2001. The 2001 Census provides the first real opportunity for regional analysis of computer and internet use in households by looking at a range of socio-economic factors including age, sex, income level, educational qualifications and dependent children.


2910.0 Directory of census statistics, 2001 final, electronic delivery. Released 21/11/2003.

A very useful reference, with information on: the library extension program, census on the internet, reference products, information papers, census statistical publications, Estimated Resident Population publications, geographic products, key census electronic products, community profiles, information consultancy, 2001 Census data items, 2001 geographic structure, common census terms, and release dates.

Contact Myles Burleigh on (02) 6252 5687 or email myles.burleigh@abs.gov.au

4114.0 Attendance at selected cultural venues and events, Australia, 2002. Released 28/10/03.

This publication presents results from the 2002 General Social Survey on attendance of people aged 18 years and over at selected cultural venues and events. It provides details of the basic demographic characteristics of those who attended the surveyed venues and events, and their frequency of attendance during a 12-month period. State level data occurs in this publication. Information on this topic was previously collected in the Survey of Attendance at Selected Culture and Leisure Venues which was conducted in April 1999, March 1995 and June 1991. Generally, attendance rates in 2002 were slightly higher than in the earlier years.

Contact Theo Neumann on (08) 8237 7449 or email theo.numann@abs.gov.au.

4156.0 Sport and recreation: a statistical overview, Australia. Released 14/11/03.

This publication presents a statistical overview of sport and recreation in Australia, using the latest data available from a diverse range of ABS collections. The dominant focus is on sports and physical recreation, with data also presented for selected other leisure areas, including gambling, hospitality and amusements. The focus is broadly at national level, although 6 tables exist with state level data. Themes include participation, attendance, expenditure, employment, voluntary work, funding, industry and products. International trade in selected sports and physical recreation goods is also covered.

Organisations mainly involved in providing sports and physical recreation services generated $4.8 billion worth of income nationally during 2000-01. For the same year, sport industry figures compiled from various ABS reports revealed that government funding of sports and physical recreation was worth $2.1 billion, while business contributed $628 million in sponsorship and other support.

The latest information on spending habits indicates that Australian households spend an average of $11.03 per week on sports and physical recreation equipment and activities. Retail sales of sports and physical recreation products totalled $3.8 billion in 1998-99. Imports of sporting goods were valued at $1.2 billion and exports reached $463 million in 2001-2002.


In 2001, there were 83,008 people employed in a range of occupations in the sports sector while, in 2000, there were and more than a million volunteers (1,140,700) acting in supporting roles. During 2002, more than 9 million adults (62% of the population) participated in some form of sport or physical recreation, and almost half of the adult population (7 million or 48%) attended a sporting event. During the same year, 63.0% of adult Victorians participated in physical activities for recreation, exercise or sport.

Contact Colin Speechley on Adelaide (08) 8237 7363 or email col.speech@abs.gov.au.

4174.0 Sports attendance, Australia. Released 2/12/03.

The number of Australian adults who attended a sporting event during 2002 increased from 6.5 million in 1999 to 7.0 million in 2002, an increase from 46% to 48% of the population aged 18 years and over. The main sport attended was Australian rules football (17%), followed by horse racing (13%) and motor sports (10%). The number of people attending Australian rules football increased from 2.3 million in 1999 to 2.5 million in 2002. Increases in attendance rates were also recorded for rugby union (up 255,800) and soccer (up 238,600).

The Northern Territory had the highest attendance rate (57%) at sports events covered by the survey in 2002, while the lowest attendance rate was recorded in New South Wales (44%). Young Australians aged between 18-24 years (65%) were most likely to have attended a sporting event in 2002, with attendance declining in subsequent age groups.

Contact Mike Stratton on Adelaide (08) 8237 7399 or email mike.stratton@abs.gov.au.

4384.0 National health survey: injuries, Australia. Released 19/11/03.

Over 800,000 Australians reported being injured due to a fall during the four weeks leading up to their participation in the National Health Survey in 2001. The majority were not seriously hurt and only 9% went to hospital as a result of their fall. In the four weeks prior to participation, 468,000 people were injured by colliding with objects or being hit by something, 227,000 people reported being bitten or stung, and 55,000 people were attacked and injured by other people. When all events leading to injury are included, 2.25 million or 12% of all Australians reported an injury.

These injuries included open wounds (44% of injured people); bruising (33%); dislocations, sprains, strains, torn muscles or ligaments (20%); burns and scalds (8%); fractures (4%); poisoning (2%); and concussion (1%). More than one-quarter (27%) of the injured were involved in leisure activities at time of injury, and just under half (49%) occurred in and around the home. Sports facilities or sports fields were the next most common location for injury (16%), with people who exercised at high or moderate levels reporting sporting injuries at higher rates than those who were sedentary or exercised at low levels. People aged 18 years and over who drank at levels classified as high risk were more than twice as likely to have reported being injured than those who didn't drink.

Among the states and ACT, people from Western Australia reported the highest percentage of injuries in the four weeks before interview (14%) and NSW reported the lowest (11%). While the rate of injury in Victoria (12%) was similar to other states, injured Victorians were less likely to have gone to hospital (5% of injured Victorians, compared to 9% of all injured Australians).

Approximately 2.26 million people (12% of all Australians) reported having one or more health conditions lasting or expected to last six months or more as a result of an injury at some point during their life. Almost two-thirds (65%) of these people reported having musculoskeletal system and connective tissue conditions, with back conditions the most common health problem of this nature reported.

Contact Josie Barac (02) 6252 5958 or email josie.barac@abs.gov.au.

4517.0 Prisoners in Australia, 2003

This publication is due for release on 22 January 2004. It contains national information on prisoners who were in custody on 30 June each year. The statistics are derived from information collected by the ABS from corrective services agencies in each state and territory. Details are provided on the number of people in correctional institutions (including people on remand), imprisonment rates, most serious offence and sentence length. A range of information is also presented on prisoner characteristics (age, sex, Indigenous status) and on the type of prisoner (all prisoners, sentenced prisoners, and unsentenced prisoners (remandees). Companion tables with detailed state/territory information are available separately. Price on application.

Contact <crime.justice@abs.gov.au>.

4810.0.55.001 Breastfeeding in Australia, 2001. Released 17/9/03.

In the 1970s it was estimated that 40-45% of women breastfed their infants after being discharged from hospital (Nursing Mothers Association of Australia 1995). National Health Survey results indicated that in 1995, 82% of all Australian 0-3 year olds were breastfed when first taken home from hospital, and the result in 2001 was similar (83% of all 0-3 year olds). Australia level data only

Contact Tian Erho (02) 6252 6916 or email tian.erho@abs.gov.au.

4815.0.55.001 Private health insurance. Released 01/10/2003.

After the introduction of Medicare in 1984, when participation in private health insurance was at 50%, Australians' participation in private health insurance declined steadily until the late 1990's. Levels of private health insurance increased significantly after the introduction of the 30% rebate and Lifetime Health Cover policy in 2000. Figures reported by the Private Health Insurance Administration Council (PHIAC) show that participation rates increased from 31% in June 1999 to 45% in June 2001 (these figures exclude 'ancillary only' cover). Rates appear now to have decreased, with a participation rate of 43% as at June 2003.

This paper draws on comparisons between PHIAC data and 2001 ABS National Health Survey (NHS) data to provide an analysis of private health insurance. There is an analysis of selected data on private health insurance, primarily from the 2001 National Health Survey, but including some time series from earlier ABS collections and PHIAC statistics. This includes national statistics about the types and levels of private health insurance cover held by Australians cross classified by age, hospital admissions, and income groups. State data on private health insurance coverage and a national time series based on ABS statistics is presented, and reasons for insuring or not insuring are analysed.

Contact Darren Evans (02) 6252 6415 or email darren.evans@abs.gov.au.


Australia's exporters, 2002-03 feature article. (Sourced from cat no 5368.0, International Trade in Goods and Services, released 29/9/03) A feature article on Australia's Exporters, 2002-03 has been released on the ABS web site <www.abs.gov.au> concurrent with the release of cat no 5368.0. The article is the third in a series analysing the characteristics and international trading activities of Australia's exporters and importers, based on the Australian Business Number (ABN). The earlier articles related to analyses for the July to December 2001 and 2001-02 reference periods respectively.

The number of Australian exporters of goods and services in 2002-03 was estimated to be 31,174, a fall of 0.9% from the estimate of 31,450 for 2001-02. This estimate is consistent with the 3.2% fall in the total value of exports of goods and services from $153.3b in 2001-02 to $148.4b in 2002-03. It also has some information on industry. Information on importers for 2002-03 will be included in a separate article to be released on the web site on 9 January 2004. To access these articles on the ABS web site select: Themes then International Trade then Topics of Interest.

Contact Heather Burgess on Canberra 02 6252 7094 or email heather.burgess@abs.gov.au.

5220.0 Australian national accounts, state accounts, 2002-03. Released 12/11/03.

This publication contains state and territory estimates of gross domestic product (referred to as gross state product (GSP)) and its components, in current price and chain volume terms, for the years 1994-95 to 2002-03.

Contact Wendy Agostino on Canberra (02) 6252 5892 or email wendy.agostino@abs.gov.au.
6206.0 Labour force experience, Australia, 2003. Released 9/9/03.

Statistics in this publication were obtained from the Labour Force Experience Survey conducted throughout Australia in February 2003, as a supplement to the ABS's monthly LFS. It presents information about the labour force experience of the civilian population aged 15-69 years during 12 months ending February 2003. It presents information about time spent in labour force activities, including episodes of working or looking for work, and time spent out of the labour force. The publication has several tables with state total counts, but does not give state level demographics.

Of the 10,198,000 persons who worked at some time during the year ending February 2003:
- 79% of males and 48% of females worked full-time only
- 13% of males and 42% of females worked part-time only
- 8% of males and 10% of females worked a combination of full-time and part-time.

Contact Cassandra Gligora on Canberra (02) 6252 7206 or email cassandra.gligora@abs.gov.au.

6248.0.55.001 Wage and salary earners, public sector, Australia, Sept 2003. New issue. Release 15/1/04.

Contains estimates of gross earnings and number of public sector employees by level of government by State. Also contains estimates of gross earnings and number of public sector employees by industry for Australia. Additional unpublished information is available.


6254.0 Career experience, Australia, Nov 2002. Released 22/9/03.

The Statistics in this publication were obtained from the Career Experience Survey that was conducted throughout Australia in November 2002, as a supplement to the ABS monthly Labour Force Survey. Survey data relates to persons who were employees in their main job. This survey collects details of the current job; and changes in the job such as promotions, transfers and training opportunities. Other information available includes breaks away from work for six months or more and reasons for those breaks, educational attainment, number of dependent children, type of leave taken when the youngest child was born and child care arrangements. By presenting a number of demographic classifications and employee job characteristics, it provides insight into the career opportunities of Australian workers. The publication provides information on employees with family responsibilities, and issues such as workplace flexibility and barriers to career development.

Information on changes in work in the last 12 months is available for the estimated 5,976,600 employees who had worked with their current employer for one year or more. The most commonly reported changes were: 'more responsibility' (reported by 40% of employees); 'new, different or extra duties' (38%) and 'change in hours' (19%). Approximately 43% reported no change at all. One table is presented with state level information.

Contact Sue Barker (02) 6252 6112 or email sue.barker@abs.gov.au.

7111.0 Principal agricultural commodities, Australia, preliminary, released 26/11/2003.

A brief 10 page publication, whose two tables have state level data. This publication contains preliminary estimates of principal agricultural commodities and livestock numbers for the 2002-03 season and comparative data for earlier years. The data are estimates based on a response rate of approximately 64% of farms from the 2003 Agricultural Survey. Drought was the single most important factor affecting agricultural production in Australia in 2002-03. The 'one in a hundred year drought' saw national harvests fall to levels significantly below normal years, and sheep numbers at the lowest level for more than 50 years. National wheat production fell to 10.1 million tonnes, down 59% from the previous year. Sheep and lamb numbers dropped to their lowest level since 1947; with the 2002–03 preliminary estimates showing Victoria down 5% to 20.2 million. National barley production fell by 55% to 3.7 million tonnes, despite increased plantings in some regions. More comprehensive and updated estimates for the 2002-03 season will be published in July 2004 in Agricultural Commodities, Australia.

Contact Jenny Spencer (03) 6222 5974 or email jenny.spencer@abs.gov.au.

7503.0 Value of agricultural commodities produced, Australia, 2001-02.

This publication contains information on the value of agricultural commodities produced for all states, territories and Australia for the year ended 30 June 2002. It includes gross and local values of production and gross unit values for all major agricultural commodities.

The gross value of agricultural production in Victoria in 2001–02 increased by 12% to $9.3b. This represented 23% of Australian agricultural production total gross value. The gross value of crops increased by 2% to $3.7b. Increased production and higher average prices saw the gross value of grapes increase by 15% to $421m. Higher average prices (despite drops in production levels) saw increases in the values of barley (up 8% to $368m), canola (up 13% to $133m), potatoes (up 4% to $121m) and apples (up 13% to $115m). In comparison, the gross value of wheat fell by 7% to $732m, with a fall in production offset slightly by improved prices.

The gross value of livestock slaughterings and other disposals in Victoria increased by 19% to $2.4b. All categories of livestock recorded an increase in value. Cattle and calves increased by 12% to $1.2b, sheep and lambs increased by 48% to $699m, poultry increased by 9% to $309m, and pigs increased by 5% to $200m. The gross value of livestock products increased by 20% to $3.1b, with increases in the value of milk (up 24% to $2.5b) and wool (up 13% to $569m).

Contact Geoff Ellerton on Hobart (03) 6222 5856 or email geoff.ellerton@abs.gov.au.

8146.0 Household use of information technology, Australia, 2001-02. Released 10/9/03.

The Survey of Education, Training and Information Technology (SETIT) collected information from approximately 12,200 randomly selected private dwelling households across Australia, and the General Social Survey (GSS) collected information from approximately 15,500 private dwelling households. SETIT was conducted by ABS between April and August 2001, and GSS between March and July 2002. The statistics in this publication present information about access to computers and the Internet in private households, and information about the use of computers and Internet by people aged 18 years or over. State level data was addressed in most tables in most chapters, although full demographic information was usually limited to the Australia level.

Between 1998 and 2002, home Internet access increased from 16% to 46% of Australian households. The increase in home computer access over that period was less, rising from 44% to 61% of households. Overall, 68% of Australian adults used a computer and 58% accessed the Internet during 2002.

In 2002, a) 23% of all Australian adults used the Internet to pay bills or transfer funds (up from 17% in 2001), b) 15% purchased or ordered goods or services via the Internet for private use (up from 11% in 2001), and c) 21% accessed Government services via the Internet for private purposes (up from 16% in 2001). It is estimated that during 2001, Australian adults purchased or ordered goods and services for private use worth $1.9 billion via the Internet.

In Victoria during 2002, 1,144,000 households (62% of HHs) had access to a home computer, and 852,000 households (46% of HHs) had Internet access. The publication also reported that 74% of Victorian households had a mobile phone, 32% a dedicated games machine, and 22% pay TV.

Contact Michael Robertson on Canberra (02) 6252 5189 michael.robertson@abs.gov.au.

8153.0 Internet activity, Australia, March 2003. Released 1/9/03.

The Internet Activity Survey (IAS) is a census which collects details on aspects of Internet access services and other services provided by ISPs in Australia. The census population includes all ISPs registered with the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman and those identified from other sources. Since the September 2001 quarter, the collection frequency of the IAS has changed from quarterly to biannual, and is now run in respect of the March and September quarterly
reference periods each year. This publication presents statistics on Internet activity conducted through the Internet Service Provider (ISP) industry in Australia. It contains results from all identified ISPs operating in Australia in respect of the three months ended 31 March 2003.

For the first time, the total number of subscribers in Australia exceeded 5 million at the end of March quarter 2003. This represents an increase of 521,000 subscribers (11%) since the end of September quarter 2002. The majority of new subscribers (over 98%) were in the Household sector with over 4.4 million subscribers in total. The number of access lines available to subscribers increased by 34% to 857,470 between the September quarter 2002 and March quarter 2003. Matching this growth has been the increasing number of subscribers with permanent or non dial-up connections, with around 470,000 subscribers at the end of March quarter 2003, an increase of over 34% in 6 months. In particular, Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) connections increased by 65%, reflecting the continued strong growth in broadband (access speeds equal to or greater than 256kbs) services. DSL is now the predominant technology utilised to deliver broadband services. During March quarter 2003, Victoria had 187 ISPs with 241,274 access lines serving 1,338,000 subscribers.

Contact Peter Hodgson on Perth (08) 9360 5367 or email peter.hodgson@abs.gov.au.

8685.0 Private medical practices, Australia, 2001-02. Released 18/12/03.
This publication contains the results of a survey of business units that comprise a medical practice. It provides a detailed look at the financial and employment structures of medical practices operating in Australia. Australian private medical practices employed 101,957 people at the end of June 2002. They also generated $10,334.7 million (m) in income, which contributed 1.1% to Australian Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during 2001–02.

The survey found there were 9,600 general medical practitioner (GP) practices in Australia with a total employment of 56,911 people at 12,091 locations, and total income for 2001-02 of $4,423.6m. Single practitioner practices accounted for 69% of all GP practices, and 35% of all GP practice income.

On average, there were 6.1 GP practice locations per 10,000 population across Australia. NSW and Tasmania had the greatest number of GP practice locations per 10,000 population (7.3 and 7.2 respectively). Victoria (6.0) was only just below the national average.

Nationally, there were 9,864 specialist medical practices with a total employment of 45,046 people at 16,585 locations. Single practitioners accounted for 90% of all specialist practices and generated 60% of all specialist practice income. Victoria had the greatest concentration of specialist medical practice locations, with an average of 10.5 specialist locations per 10,000 population. The national average was 8.4 specialist locations per 10,000 people.

The three specialties, surgery, diagnostic imaging and internal medicine contributed 59% to total specialist practice employment and 62% to total specialist practice income. Surgery practices employed 10,247 people and generated $1,332.3m in income. Diagnostic imaging had employment of 8,320 and income of $1,479.9m, while internal medicine had employment of 8,076 and income of $854.9m.

Related statistics on characteristics of medical practitioners working in private practice are available in Private Medical Practitioners, Australia, 2002 (cat. no. 8689.0). The results of other surveys of professional are also available in Legal Practices, Australia, 2001-02 (cat. no. 8667.0) and Accounting Practices, Australia, 2001-02 (cat. no. 8668.0).

Contact Bruce Fraser on (03) 9615 7471 or email bruce.fraser@abs.gov.au.
8752.2 Building activity, Victoria, June Quarter 2003. Released 24/10/03.

This edition is the final issue for this publication. Estimates are subject to revision when the next quarter's data is released. Final June quarter 2003 data will be released in Building Activity, Australia (cat. no. 8752.0) on 19 January 2004. In future, all data in this publication will be available in other ABS products, including: Building Activity, Australia (cat. no. 8752.0), which contains extensive state and territory data; a Building Activity data cube, which contains a time series of most of the variables in this publication; the on-line AusStats service under Building Activity, Australia (cat. no. 8752.0); and the ABS web site, in the Main Features for Building Activity, Australia (cat. no. 8752.0), which now includes some state and territory data for the value of work done.

Contact Tony Bammann (08) 8237 7316 or email tony.bammann@abs.gov.au.

9208.0 Survey of motor vehicle use, Australia, 12 months ended 31/10/02. Released 25/9/03.

This publication presents estimates from the 2002 Survey of Motor Vehicle Use (SMVU). It contains statistics on passenger vehicle, motor cycle, truck and bus use for characteristics such as distance travelled, fuel consumption and area of operation. The data were collected in four quarterly sample surveys conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) over the period 1 November 2001 to 31 October 2002.

During the year ended 31 October 2002, there were an estimated 12.8 million vehicles registered in Australia. This was an increase of 1.0 million vehicles (8.3%) since the year ended 31 July 1998. New South Wales had the largest share of vehicles registered (30.0%), followed by Victoria (26.8%) and Queensland (19.1%). The majority of vehicles on the road were passenger vehicles (79.3%). During the year ended 31 October 2002, motor vehicles in Australia travelled an estimated 192,209 million kilometres . This was an increase of 14.5% (24,317 million kilometres) since the year ended 31 July 1998, and represents an average annual increase of 3.4%. See also: 9210.0.55.001 Survey of motor vehicle use, data cubes, Australia; reviewed earlier in this publication.

Contact the Transport and Tourism Business Statistics Centre on 07 3222 6185, or email t_t.statistics@abs.gov.au.

9309.0 Motor vehicle census, reference period 31/3/03, release 27/11/03.

This publication presents statistics relating to vehicles which were registered at 31 March 2003 with a motor vehicle registration authority. Statistics are provided on vehicle types comprising passenger vehicles, light commercial vehicles, all types of trucks, buses and motor cycles. Vehicle characteristic information includes make of vehicle, year of manufacture, type of fuel that the vehicle was manufactured to use; and for trucks, Gross Vehicle Mass or Gross Combination Mass. Good coverage of state level data, with 1999 and 2003 presented.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of Australia's motor vehicle fleet was registered in capital cities at 31 March 2003. Brisbane (45% of state's fleet) and Hobart (41%) were the only capital cities with fewer vehicles registered in the city than rest of state. Melbourne and Sydney had the largest fleets, both with approximately 2.4 million registered vehicles. There were 1.76 people per vehicle on average in Sydney, compared with 1.47 per vehicle in Melbourne, and 1.51 across Australia.

There were 13.2 million motor vehicles registered in Australia at 31 March 2003, an increase of 2,658,819 (25%) in the 10 years since 1993. Over the same period the population increased by only 2,237,282 (12%). More than one-third (36%) of the total Australian vehicle fleet was manufactured in 1990 or earlier. The average age of passenger vehicles was just over 10 years. Campervans were the oldest vehicle type registered, with an average age of almost 19 years.

Vehicles manufactured to use unleaded petrol continued to increase, with almost three-quarters (72%) of the vehicle fleet manufactured to use unleaded petrol in 2003, compared with 60% in 1999. There were 64,261 articulated trucks registered in 2003, with almost 34% of these having a gross combination mass of over 60 tonnes. These heavier articulated trucks have increased by 15% since 2002.

Contact the Transport and Tourism Business Statistics Centre on 07 3222 6185, or email t_t.statistics@abs.gov.au.

9314.0 Sales of new motor vehicles, electronic publication. Released 19/11/2003.

The Australian trend estimate for total sales of new motor vehicles increased by 0.3% to 79,774 in October 2003 compared with September 2003. The Australian annual trend estimate increased by 14.9% to October 2003. The largest annual growth (to Oct 2003) in trend estimate was recorded for Tasmania (44.1%), South Australia (22.4%) and Queensland (21.4%); while Victoria grew 9.1 per cent. This publication draws on new motor vehicle sales data provided by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Contact the Transport and Tourism Business Statistics Centre on 07 3222 6185, or email t_t.statistics@abs.gov.au.


Classification and framework issues

Statistical overview of sexual assault in Australia: forthcoming publication

A conclusion of the Sexual Assault Information Development Framework (cat. no. 4518.0, released in August 2003) was that there is a need to bring together currently available information to provide a broad statistical overview of the whole sexual assault field. In the policy context of working to reduce the incidence of sexual assault and ameliorate its impacts, this will form part of an information base which is needed to assist in planning service delivery, targeting of other program delivery, and evaluation of programs.

Following the IDF's release, the National Centre for Crime and Justice Statistics is undertaking a project to produce Sexual Assault in Australia: A Statistical Overview. Drawing on selected ABS and non-ABS data sources, it will present information about conceptual framework key elements in the IDF: context, risk, incidents, responses, impacts and prevention.

The statistical overview is scheduled to be released in mid-2004. Funding for this project is provided through the National Initiative to Combat Sexual Assault - an Australian Government initiative administered by the Office of the Status of Women. Contact Lyn Tucker on (03) 9615 7883 or by email <lyn.tucker@abs.gov.au>.

Progress on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations

The ABS, Statistics New Zealand and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) are developing a new occupation classification - the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

Following project team meetings in Christchurch and Canberra, a rough draft of the classification structure has been developed. During the first half of 2004 the ABS, SNZ and DEWR will seek advice from specific stakeholders, professional organisations, and industry and employer bodies on particular groups of occupations to help refine the draft structure. In mid-2004, a final round of information sessions will be held to give the wider stakeholder community an opportunity to comment and provide input on the draft classification.

The draft classification will be tested later in 2004, and again in the 2005 Census dress rehearsals in New Zealand and Australia. Following the dress rehearsals, it is expected that only minor changes may be required to the classification before it is finalised. ANZSCO will be implemented in the 2006 Censuses in both countries, and in the Labour Force Survey and other ABS surveys from around that time.The ABS and SNZ have been most encouraged by the level of stakeholder interest in the new classification.

For any additional information on the development of ANZSCO please contact Ian McLean on (02) 6252 5377 (ian.mclean@abs.gov.au) or David Hunter on (02) 6252 6300 (david.hunter@abs.gov.au).

Summary of Victorian changes included in the Australian Standard Geographical Classification 2003 (released 26/9/03)
    Delatite LGA reconstitution
    The LGA of Delatite (S) was reconstituted to form the new LGAs of Mansfield (S) and Benalla (RC).

    Recognition of Victoria's Alpine resorts
    Six Alpine Resorts were recognised as separate entities from their surrounding LGA's. These areas have been excised and are now included in Unincorporated Victoria. They are now 6 new SLAs within the ASGC structure.

    Falls Creek Alpine Resort was created from a part of Alpine (S).
    Lake Mountain Alpine Resort was created from a part of Murrindindi (S) and Yarra Ranges (S).
    Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort was created from a part of Baw Baw (S).
    Mount Buller Alpine Resort was created from a part of Mansfield (S).
    Mount Hotham Alpine Resort was created from a part of Alpine (S).
    Mount Stirling Alpine Resort was created from a part of Mansfield (S).
      Mildura (RC)/Wentworth (A)
      To correct a discrepancy in the ASGC digital boundaries along the NSW/VIC border (Murray River), there was a minor amendment to the boundaries of Mildura (RC) (enlarged) and Wentworth (A) (reduced).


    Other selected recent releases:

    Census of population and housing: CDATA 2001 add-on datapaks for expanded community and working population profiles. Released 12/9/03.

    1001.0 Australian Bureau of Statistics: Annual report, 2002-03. Released 10/10/03.

    1367.2 State and regional indicators, Victoria, Dec quarter 2003, Release 17/2/04.

    1377.0 (new issue) Measures of a knowledge-based economy and society, Australia - electronic delivery, 2003. Released 5/9/03.

    3101.0 Australian demographic statistics, June quarter 2003. Released 11/12/03.

    3201.0 Population by age and sex, Australian states and territories, June 2003. Released 19/12/03.

    4649.0.55.001 Energy statistics, Australia, 2001-02. New issue. Electronic delivery. Released 19/12/03.

    4811.0 National health survey: mental health, Australia, 2001. Released 4/12/03.

    5494.0 Economic activity of foreign owned businesses in Australia, 2000-01. New issue (experimental exercise). Released 9/1/04.

    5673.0.55.001 Regional wage and salary earner statistics, Australia, 2000-01. Electronic delivery. Released 19/12/03.

    6292.0 Information paper: forthcoming changes to labour force statistics, 2003. Released 16/12/03.

    6297.0 Information paper: changes to Labour Force Survey products, 2003. Released 23/10/03.

    9502.0.55.001 Framework for Australian tourism statistics - electronic delivery, 2003. New issue. Released 23/9/03. (Charges may apply. Not in ABS@)


    Free access to ABS publications. People working in Victorian government agencies and local government offices should be able to access ABS publications at no cost from their desktop PCs using the ABS@ facility.

    ABS@ has:

      • all ABS publications from 1998 onwards in pdf format,
      • 2001 Community Profiles at all geographic levels,
      • time series spreadsheets in Excel format,
      • and datacubes in SuperTable format, which allow users to construct tables to suit their requirements.

    In local government, the council's extranet coordinator must register a person as a user. In state government agencies, access to ABS@ is through the Victorian state government intranet (or Lotus Notes in some Departments), on the index page using the research and information button; with no registration required.

    For further information contact Heather Burns, Manager, ABS Information Consultancy Section on 03 9615 7976 or email: <heather.burns@abs.gov.au>. Email is the preferred mode of contact.

    ABS Statistical Training

    The ABS provides a range of statistical training courses for developing the skills needed to undertake high quality statistical collections and statistical analysis in government agencies. Courses are run over one or two days, and are categorised into two streams:

    For people managing or conducting surveys:

    Basic Survey Design
    Provides a broad overview of all facets of survey development, from developing objectives, to developing questionnaires and then reporting results.

    Managing Statistical Consultants
    Develops skills in effective selection and management of a consultant to conduct a statistical collection, statistical research or other data management related tasks.

    Introduction to Data Management
    Explains how to get the most out of data and covers common tools, methods, resources and procedures used to locate and understand statistical data.

    For people using statistics, the ABS provides training in how to select - and use correctly - statistical information from a range of collections. These courses are:

    Quality Informed Decisions
    Introduces the concept of 'wholistic quality' through the use of a data quality framework for a statistical collection, which enables users to assess the set of statistics for fitness for purpose.

    Basic Statistical Analysis
    Develops skills in basic statistical and graphical data analysis techniques.

    Turning Data Into Information
    Develops skills in interpreting, communication and displaying data clearly and effectively.

    Special event. Understanding Demographic Data

    Demographic statistics are increasingly significant in policy and planning, especially with respect to migration and population movements in rural and regional areas. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is offering to staff in government agencies a one day seminar 'Understanding Demographic Data' on Tuesday 18 May, 2004 in Melbourne.

    This seminar, which is offered biennially, provides an awareness of ABS demographic data; as well as introducing techniques to enable comparison of data across regions over time. Course presenters are experienced ABS demographers.

    The course costs $325, with lunch provided.


    For further details on training please contact Vera Diakun on (03) 9615 7421 or Janet Creaney on (03) 9615 7607, or <email vic.coordination@abs.gov.au>.

    POINTS OF CONTACT

    Victorian Statistics Advisory Committee (VSAC)

    VSAC is a major forum for statistical liaison between Victorian Government Agencies and the ABS. Dr Michael Kirby from the Department of Treasury and Finance chairs VSAC, and is also the State representative on the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC). The following group of departmental representatives meets 2-3 times each year.

    Departmental Representatives

    Department of Treasury and Finance
    VSAC Chairperson
    Dr Michael Kirby 9651 5543

    Department of Premier and Cabinet
    Mark Burford 9651 2486

    Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
    Patrick Webb 9651 9349

    Department of Education and Training
    George McLean 9637 3758

    Department of Human Services Victoria
    Dr Robert Brazenor 9616-6111

    Department of Justice
    Robert Eldridge 9651 6921

    Department of Infrastructure
    Fotios Spiridonos 9655 8536

    Department for Victorian Communities
    Dr David Adams 9208 3833

    Dept of Sustainability and Environment
    John Hanna 9655 6548

    Dept of Primary Industries
    Gary Stoneham 9637 8344

    ABS Victoria
    Vince Lazzaro 9615 7345


    Contact Points for ABS Victoria

    Dial-a-Statistics
    1900 986 400 ($0.77 per minute)

    National Information and Referral Service
    Telephone: 1300 135 070
    Fax: 1300 135 211
    email: <client.services@abs.gov.au>

    Library and Information Services
    Level 5, CGU Tower, 485 LaTrobe Street
    Melbourne Vic 3001

    Postal Address
    GPO Box 2796Y
    Melbourne Vic 3001

    ABS Website
    <www.abs.gov.au>

    Regional director
    ABS Victoria
    Vince Lazzaro
    Telephone: (03) 9615 7345
    Fax: 03 9615 7387
    Email: <julianne.patterson@abs.gov.au>

    State Government Liaison Officer
    Terence Byrnes
    Telephone: (03) 9615 7860
    Fax: (03) 9615 7002
    email: <t.byrnes@abs.gov.au>

    State Government Liaison Officer
    Peter Hawkes
    Telephone: (03) 9615 7463
    Fax: (03) 9615 7002
    email: <peter.hawkes@abs.gov.au>

    Statistics Victoria Editor
    Alan Page
    Telephone: (03) 9615 7899
    email: <alan.page@abs.gov.au>


    Spread the news electronically

    Copies of
    Statistics Victoria are available free for electronic dissemination. There are two ways to access an electronic copy of the newsletter:

    1. Elect to receive your copy of this newsletter in PDF format by contacting Alan Page on (03) 9615-7899 or email
    <alan.page@abs.gov.au>. The ABS encourages further dissemination of this newsletter through email, or by its placement on your organisation's intranet.

    2. Go to the ABS Web site at
    <http.//www.abs.gov.au>. Choose News from the menu bar, then go to Newsletters. You can access current and previous copies of Statistics Victoria, as well as many other ABS newsletters.