1301.0 - Year Book Australia, 2012  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 24/05/2012   
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Preface

Year Book Australia is the principal reference work produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). It provides a comprehensive statistical picture of the Australian economy, society and environment. In addition, it contains information on Australia’s geography and climate, system of government, government services, international relations and defence.

The first Official Year Book of the Commonwealth was published in 1908, although individual Australian states and colonies had been producing year books for several decades previously. Over more than 100 years, the ABS and its predecessor, the Commonwealth Bureau of Census and Statistics, have maintained the tradition of publishing the Year Book. This is the 92nd edition of Year Book Australia, and as with previous editions, a number of additional articles are included.

In 2012, Australia celebrates both the National Year of Reading and the Australian Year of the Farmer. Feature articles recognising both years are included in this edition and special articles are also presented in several chapters consistent with these themes.

Also, for the first time, a separate chapter on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been included. The chapter presents information based on nine broad domains of wellbeing that are of specific importance to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.

In 2012, Australia also celebrates the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives. A feature article recognises the year by looking at the activities of co-operatives in Australia. The Australian International Year of Co-operatives Secretariat co-ordinated the many contributions to the article and to several special articles on co-operatives.

I am very grateful to all contributing organisations for their excellent contributions. ABS products rely on information provided freely by individuals, businesses, governments and other organisations. Their continued co-operation is very much appreciated.

My thanks also go to the many ABS staff who contributed to the preparation and production of Year Book Australia 2012.


Brian Pink
Australian Statistician
May 2012

 

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Statistics contained in the Year Book are the most recent available at the time of preparation. In many cases, the ABS website and the websites of other organisations provide access to more recent data. Each Year Book table or graph and the bibliography at the end of each chapter provides hyperlinks to the most up to date data release where available.