Western Australian Statistical Indicators (WASI) (cat. no. 1367.5)

Regional Wage and Salary Earners in WA (2001/02 - 2003/04)
Rising employment opportunities and incomes have caused significant change in the distribution of wage and salary earners in WA.

The largest growth in wage and salary earners was recorded in Perth’s outer metropolitan areas of Rockingham (3,131 persons) and Gosnells (3,032). Mandurah (1,839) had the largest increase outside of the Perth metropolitan area. The fastest increase in wage and salary earners was recorded in Perth - Inner (45%), reflecting the rapid development of high density residential apartments and townhouses in and around the city centre. Aside from Perth, the fastest growth was in areas surrounding Geraldton and Bunbury.

The largest increases in average annual wage and salary incomes were in Perth’s inner west, mining regions and areas surrounding Geraldton. Sandstone recorded the highest growth in average wage and salaries of $13,069, followed by Peppermint Grove ($10,209). Sandstone also had the fastest rise in average wage and salaries of 32% over the two year period, followed by Chapman Valley (24%). In recent times, gold mining has re-emerged as the principal industry in Sandstone, while many people have re-located to other areas around Geraldton to work in local industries or commute to Geraldton for work.

Cultural Diversity in WA
In 2006, Western Australia had the highest proportion of overseas-born residents of all states and territories (27%). In 2006, England (33%) and New Zealand (9%) were the most common countries of birth for Western Australian residents born overseas, while residents from South Africa (up 11,300) showed the largest increase since 1996.

Apart from English, Italian remains the most widely spoken language in Western Australia (32,900 people). Mandarin had the largest increase in the number of speakers (up 7,500 people or 83%), while Arabic was the fastest growing language (up 103% or 3,900 people).

Christianity remained the dominant religion in WA in 2006 (1,163,000 people or 59% of state population), despite the proportion of Christians decreasing (from 66% in 1996). Catholicism (up 37,700 people or 9%) and Buddhism (up 15,800 people or 86%) had the largest increases in numbers. Hinduism had the fastest growth rate of all religions (up 124% or 4,500 people).

For further information, please contact Phil Smythe on (08) 9360 5224.

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