8696.0 - Community Services, Australia, 1999-2000  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 27/07/2001   
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Community Service Organisations Spend $12.8b


Community service organisations spent $12.6 billion in the year to June 2000, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publication, Community Services, Australia, 1999-2000,released today.

At the end of June 2000, there were 9,287 employing organisations involved in the provision of community services in Australia, a 15% increase in the number of employing community services organisations at the end of June 1996. The 9,287 organisations comprised 2,800 'for profit' organisations, 5,938 'not for profit' organisations and 549 government organisations.

Community service expenditure by these organisations comprised of $10,748 million of expenditure on direct community service activities and $1,895 million on related or overhead community service activities. The direct community service expenditure increased by 28% since 1995-96. Major components of this expenditure were $6,092 million on residential care (including nursing homes); $2,170 million on personal and social support; and $1,156 million on child care.

The majority (56%) of the direct community service expenditure was accounted for by 'not for profit' organisations, with 'for profit' organisations accounting for 19% and government organisations, 25%. Of the direct community service expenditure of $10,748 million, 63% was accounted for by organisations in capital cities and suburbs and 37% by organisations in other areas of Australia. 'For profit' organisations, which are mainly involved in residential care and child care, had a much higher proportion of expenditure in capital cities and suburbs at 74%.

At the end of June 2000, there were 341,447 employees working for community service organisations, a 7% increase since June 1996. The majority (81%) of employees worked directly on community service provision. In addition, there were 299,413 volunteers working at some time during June 2000 on community services activities, a 25% increase since June 1996. In terms of employees and volunteers, 'not for profit' organisations accounted for the greater proportion, with 64% of employees and 93% of volunteers.

Details are in Community Services, Australia, 1999-00 (cat. no. 8696.0) available from ABS bookshops. If you would like to purchase a copy please contact the ABS Bookshop in your capital city.