INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the fourth edition of NSW in Focus.

NSW in Focus is a contemporary record of activity within the state, providing a wide range of statistics from both ABS and non-ABS sources together with some brief analysis. The materials presented in this publication are organised into twelve chapters, representing areas of social or economic importance: population, family and community, health, education and training, work, household economic resources, housing, crime and justice, transport, economic activity, and the environment. The final chapter presents national comparisons.

New in this year's publication is the inclusion of "Statistical Highlights" which provides some analysis and graphs on selected indicators. Each chapter is supported by a summary table presenting a time series of key indicators, followed by more detailed statistics relating to issues identified within each topic. Data sources are provided at the end of each chapter.

Other changes of note include:

• the inclusion of available 2006 Population Census data;
• improved coverage in the Environment chapter with a number of redeveloped and new tables;
• new tables on Emergency Management in the Crime and Justice chapter; and
• a new table on business entries and exits in the Economic Activity chapter.

NSW in Focus aims to provide a reference for discussion and decision-making by government and the general community, and the ABS is actively seeking your feedback on the usefulness of the content and indicators. The "Have your say" form is located on the ABS web site page NSW in Focus, 2008 (cat. no. 1338.1) and we would appreciate your comments so we can better meet your needs.

The statistics contained in this publication were the most recent available at the time of its preparation. In some cases, the ABS web site <www.abs.gov.au> and the web sites of other organisations, can provide access to more recent and detailed statistics. NSW in Focus is produced annually and is available free of charge from the ABS web site.

ABS publications draw extensively on information provided freely by individuals, businesses, governments and other organisations. Their continued cooperation is greatly appreciated. I extend my thanks and appreciation to those organisations which have supplied material for inclusion in this publication and to the ABS staff involved in its preparation.

INQUIRIES

For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or Sarah Proudford on Sydney (02) 9268 4855.