The standard of living of individuals and families depends on a number of economic and social resources. These resources provide for the consumption of goods and services and for participation in society. Resources may be in the form of:
- cash income received from wages and salaries or investments;
- income support from government;
- the use of personal resources such as savings;
- the use of services such as aged care, respite care and child care from government and welfare organisations; and
- assistance from family and friends.
While statistics about income and wealth can describe the economic resources available and statistics about expenditure can describe associated consumption patterns, there are other issues that are important in understanding living standards. For example, poor health or limited access to educational facilities may lead to greater expenditure in those areas, leaving relatively less expenditure on other basic necessities of life than for those who earn similar incomes.
SUMMARY INCOME STATISTICS, Tasmania
|
 | Units | Period | Tas. |
|
| Income | | | |
| Mean gross weekly income | $ | 1999-2000 | 606 |
| Average taxable income | $ | 1998-99 | 25,695 |
| | | |
| Superannuation | | | |
| Number of retired persons receiving superannuation or annuities(a) | '000 | April-June 2000 | 8.1 |
| | | |
| Income distribution | | | |
| Gross State Product at market prices per capita | $'000 | 1999-2000 | 24.6 |
| Share of equivalent income going to top quintile(b)(c) | % | 1999-2000 | 35.2 |
| Share of equivalent income going to bottom quintile(b)(d) | % | 1999-2000 | 9.1 |
| Gini coefficient(b) | ratio | 1999-2000 | 0.42 |
| | | |
| Expenditure | | | |
| Average weekly household expenditure on all goods and services | $ | 1998-99 | 592.98 |
(a) Aged 15-69 years.
(b) Of all income units.
(c) Share of equivalent income received by the 20% of income units with the highest incomes.
(d) Share of equivalent income received by the 20% of income units with the lowest incomes.
Source: Income Distribution, Australia (6523.0); and ABS data available on request, Survey of Employment Arrangements and Superannuation; Household Expenditure Survey, Australia: Summary of Results (6530.0); and ABS data available on request, 1999-2000 Survey of Income and Housing Costs. |
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