Recent releases

Selected releases
Information papers, research papers, and classifications
Other releases

Selected releases

1383.0.55.001 Measures of Australia's Progress: Summary Indicators, 2009. Released 30/04/2009.

In the 10 years to June 2008, annual GDP per person grew from $41,000 to $51,000 in real terms, an increase of 2.2% per year on average. GDP is certainly an important signal about the health of our economy. But what happened to the state of our society, other aspects of the economy and environment over that period?

During the past decade, life expectancy increased: children born in 2007 are expected to live three years longer than those born in 1997. During the past 10 years the proportion of people aged 25–64 years with a vocational or higher education qualification rose from 47% to 61%. In 1998 the unemployment rate was 7.7%. Since then it has generally fallen and the average annual unemployment rate in 2008 was 4.2%.

Over the past 10 years, the proportion of women in the Parliament of Australia increased from 22% to 27% in the House of Representatives, and from 32% to 36% in the Senate.

Between 2000 and 2008, the number of terrestrial bird and mammal species assessed as extinct, endangered or vulnerable rose by 14% from 154 to 175. Land clearance, one influence thought to be reducing biodiversity, increased by about 6% overall, or 0.5% per year on average, between 1995 and 2005. In 2005 about one-quarter of Australia's surface water management areas were classed as highly used or overused. In 2000, about 5.7 million hectares of land (not all of it agricultural land) were affected by, or at high risk of developing, dryland salinity, a widespread form of land degradation.

In 2006, Australia's total net greenhouse gas emissions were 1% below 2005 levels and 4.2% higher than they were in 1990. Between 1997 and 2007 there was an increase in the number of fish species in Commonwealth fisheries classified as overfished.

1520.0 ABS Data Quality Framework, May 2009. Released 04/05/2009. First Issue

Under the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, the Australian Statistician is responsible for formulating standards for the undertaking of operations for statistical purposes. Pursuant to this aim, ABS has developed the ABS Data Quality Framework (ABS DQF), based on the Statistics Canada Quality Assurance Framework (2002) and European Statistics Code of Practice (2005).

The ABS DQF provides standards for assessing and reporting on the quality of statistical information. It is a tool which improves a user's ability to: decide whether a dataset or statistical product is fit for purpose (which in turn can help to identify gaps), assess the data quality of seemingly similar collections, and interpret data. It can also assist those developing statistical collections to aim for high quality outputs.

The DQF is designed for use by a range of data users and providers in different settings, including government agencies, statistical agencies and independent research agencies. For example, the ABS DQF will be used to assess the quality of performance indicator data linked to a number of National Agreements in key policy areas signed by the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) in late-2008.

DQF is comprised of seven dimensions of quality, which are: institutional environment, relevance, timeliness, accuracy, coherence, interpretability and accessibility. All seven dimensions should be included for the purpose of quality assessment and reporting. However, the seven dimensions are not necessarily equally weighted, as the importance of each dimension may vary depending on data source and context.

Statistical Coordination branch in ABS-Victoria offers training in using the Data Quality Framework via the Making Quality Informed Decisions (MQID) course. The next MQID course is scheduled for 13 August 2009. The next MQID course is scheduled for 13 August 2009. For further information refer to the 'ABS Statistical training and information seminars' section of this newsletter.

3101.0 Australian Demographic Statistics, Dec 2008. Released 04/06/2009.

At 31 December 2008, the estimated resident population (ERP) of Australia was 21,644,000 persons. This was an increase of 406,100 persons (1.9%) since 31 December 2007. Net overseas migration for the year was 253,400 persons. Western Australia recorded the largest percentage gain (3.1%) and Tasmania the smallest (1.0%). Victoria's ERP at 31 Dec 2008 was 5,364,800 persons; a yearly increase of 102,400 (1.9%).

3218.0 Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2007-08. Released 23/04/2009.

Victoria's estimated resident population was 5.31 million people at 30 June 2008, an increase of 92,500 people since June 2007. The 2007-08 growth rate of 1.8% was higher than the average annual growth rate (1.5%) for the five years to June 2008.

At June 2008, there were an estimated 3.9 million people residing in Melbourne Statistical Division (SD), an increase of 74,600 people or 2.0% since June 2007. Melbourne SD experienced the largest growth of all Australian capital city SDs for the year to June 2008.

Victoria's largest population growth continued to occur in the outer suburban fringes of the Melbourne SD. Wyndham (C), located to the south-west of Melbourne's city centre, experienced the largest increase of Victorian local government areas (LGA), increasing by 8,900 people in 2007-08. Almost half of this growth occurred in the SLA of Wyndham (C) - North.

Casey (C), located to the south-east of Melbourne city, experienced the second-largest growth of Victorian LGAs in 2007-08, increasing by 8,000 people, followed by Melton (S), west of Melbourne city, which increased by 6,000 people.

Melbourne (C) had the sixth-largest increase of all LGAs in Victoria in 2007-08 (3,500 people) and continued to experience fast growth with an annual growth rate of 4.1%. However, this was lower than the average annual rate of 6.1% for the five years to June 2008. Within Melbourne (C), the SLA of Melbourne (C) - Remainder grew by 1,700 people (3.0%), Melbourne (C) - Southbank-Docklands by 1,100 people (7.0%) and Melbourne (C) - Inner by 730 people (5.5%).

Within regional Victoria, the LGA of Greater Geelong (C), located south-west of Melbourne, experienced the largest increase in population (3,000 people) for the year to June 2008. This was followed by Ballarat (C) (1,800 people), which is west of Melbourne, and Greater Bendigo (C) (1,600 people) in central Victoria. The map below shows Victorian population change for one year at Statistical Local Area level, a finer geography below LGA level.

3240.0 Residential and Workplace Mobility, and Implications for Travel: NSW and Vic., October 2008. Released 19/05/2009. First Issue

The survey measured the demographic characteristics of movers and non-movers; reasons why people changed their place of residence and/or workplace; and modes of transport typically used to travel to the current suburb of employment.

Of the 3.9 million people aged 18 years and over living in Victoria, 1.1 million people had changed their usual residence in the three years prior to October 2008. In comparison, 2.8 million people did not move their usual residence. The 18 to 34 years age group was the most mobile and accounted for 55% of all people who moved. In comparison, 13% of all people who moved were aged 55 years and over.

Fifty-two percent (52%) of Victorians who moved belonged to a household that rented the dwelling, whereas 48% belonged to a household where one of the usual residents was an owner (with or without a mortgage). Two in three people (67%) moved to a separate house and nearly a quarter (23%) moved to a flat/unit/apartment.

3302.0.55.003 Experimental Life Tables for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2005–2007. Released 25/05/2009.

ABS has introduced a new method to produce 2005-2007 life tables, and while the underlying method of construction remains the same, the method of accounting for under-identification of Indigenous deaths has changed. ABS strongly advises that comparisons between estimates presented in this publication and previously published estimates should not be made, and differences should not be interpreted as measuring changes in Indigenous life expectancy over time. Due to the small size of Victoria's Indigenous population, state level life tables cannot be reliably produced for Victoria (this is also true for SA, Tas and ACT).

3416.0 Perspectives on Migrants, 2009. Released 15/04/2009.

Predominantly utilising data from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), these articles examine various aspects of Australia's migration program. In 2006, around 44% of all Australians were either born overseas or had at least one overseas born parent.

In the twelve years to 2007-08, over 1.3 million visas were granted under Australia's permanent immigration program. Over that period, the program has increasingly focused on encouraging skilled migration to Australia, to the extent that skilled migrants now comprise the single largest group of permanent migrants. In 2007-08, a total of 108,540 permanent skilled visas were granted, equivalent to two skilled visas granted for every family visa granted.

Temporary migration has also played a role in skilled migration. In 2007-08, close to 418,000 business visitor visas (DIAC 2009) were granted. Australia's immigration program has increasingly been driven by skilled migration, rising from 24,100 skilled visas granted in 1995-96 to 108,540 in 2007-08.
4102.0 Australian Social Trends, June 2009. Released 30/06/2009.

Previously an annual publication, Australian Social Trends is now updated quarterly since the March 2009 edition. The latest edition features five articles: Relocation across the nation: internal migration and population growth; Home and away: living arrangements of young people; Casual employees; Health literacy; and Student achievement in maths and science.

Nearly two million Australians moved to a new city or region in the five years to 2006. South-east Queensland and south-west Western Australia were the most popular destinations.

Young people are more likely to live with their parents than in previous decades. In 2006, almost one in four people aged 20–34 were living with their parents. One in four workers are casual employees. Casuals tend to be young, with 40% of them aged 15-24, and their earnings and hours are more likely to vary from pay to pay than is the case for other employees.

In 2006, only 41% of adults had adequate or better health literacy skills. These skills affect the decisions people make about screening and diagnostic tests, as well as their understanding of treatment and medication. Australian Social Trends presents analysis and commentary on current social issues under eight broad headings: population; family and community; health; education and training; work; economic resources; and housing.

The Victorian population has increased by around 700,000 to 5.3 million over the ten years to 2008. The median age of Victorians rose from 35 to 37 years between 1998 and 2008, reflecting a nationwide trend.

Between 2001 and 2006, around 160,000 people moved from Melbourne to other parts of the country, while around 140,000 people moved to Melbourne. Many of those who left Melbourne moved to Brisbane or the Gold or Sunshine coasts. Regional towns such as Bendigo and Ballarat saw positive net internal migration from other parts of the country over this period, while Shepparton experienced a net loss of people due to internal migration.

The Year 12 apparent retention rate in Victoria increased from 76% to 79% in the ten years to 2008, the highest rate in the country after the ACT (85%). In 2008, Victoria had the highest rate of education participation among 15-24 year olds in the country (65% compared with 59% nationally).

This release includes spreadsheets presenting national and state summary data on population, education and training, and other areas of social concern. There is also a set of international tables that compare Australia with 17 other nations on topics such as population growth, population projections, life expectancy, health expenditure, household use of renewable energy, labour force, unemployment and student performance.

4105.0.55.001 Early childhood learning and care: data sources, gaps and opportunities, 2008. Released 08/04/2009. First Issue

Reports on a data mapping pilot project undertaken by the ABS (in collaboration with several other agencies) with the aim of improving the evidence base on early childhood. The project investigates the existing range of data sources relevant to identified high priority policy questions in early childhood care and education.

4307.0.55.001 Apparent Consumption of Alcohol, Australia, 2007-08. Released 06/05/2009.

Between 2006–07 and 2007–08, the total quantity of pure alcohol available for consumption increased by 1.4% from 168.1 million to 170.5 million litres of alcohol. Of the total litres of alcohol available for consumption in 2007-08, beer contributed 46%, wine 31%, spirits 12% and ready to drink pre-mixed products 11.0%.

4364.0 National Health Survey: Summary of Results, 2007-08. Released 11/05/2009.

Some 56% of people aged 15 years and over considered their overall health to be very good or excellent, and 29% stated their health was good. In contrast, 15% of people aged 15 years or more said their health was fair/poor. Fair or poor health increased with age, from 7% of those aged 15-24 years to 32% of those 65 years and over.

The most commonly reported long term conditions were problems with eyesight (52% of population) including long and short sightedness (26% and 23% respectively), arthritis (15%), asthma (10%), hayfever and allergic rhinitis (15%) and hypertensive disease (9%). Other commonly reported conditions were back and disc disorders (14%) and deafness (10%). Over half of persons 15 years and over (53%) had private health insurance in 2007-08.

Risk factors covered include smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, BMI and some dietary habits. The survey found that 68% of adult men and 55% of adult women were overweight or obese. One in five adults (20%) were current smokers in 2007-08, down from 23% in 2004-05.

4510.0 Recorded Crime - Victims, Australia, 2008. Released 04/06/2009.

Data covers: number of victims, victimisation rate, sex and age of victim, location of offence, weapon use, and outcome of investigation. Includes state level data.

4604.0 Energy Account, Australia, 2006-07. Released 25/06/2009.

Estimates the physical supply and use of energy products in Australia over 2001-02 to 2006-07, and introduces experimental monetary use estimates for 2004-05. It also provides a time series of energy intensity measures for selected Australian industries. Finally, it includes energy resource stock estimates for 2002 to 2007 in both physical and monetary terms.

In 2006–07, Australia's total supply of energy products was 21,359 petajoules (PJ), a 15% increase from 2001–02. The largest contributors to this increase were black coal (+19% to 8,650 PJ), uranium concentrates (+19% to 4,509 PJ), natural gas (+44% to 2,007 PJ) and refined products (petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, liquid gas, biofuel, etc)(+19% to 1,923 PJ). While the supply of most energy products increased over this 5 year period, there was a decline of 14% in the supply of crude oil (from 2,393 PJ to 2,050 PJ) and 10% decrease for hydro electricity (from 58 PJ to 52 PJ).

There was an increase in supply of refined products despite a decline in Australian production, and this was driven by increased imports (from 150 PJ in 2001–02 to 642 PJ in 2006–07). The mining industry dominates energy supply in Australia (86% of total supply), followed by manufacturing (8%) and the electricity supply industry (5%). Coal comprised 44% of energy supply in 2006–07 with uranium contributing a further 21%. Other important contributors were refined products and LPG (combined) which comprised 10%, crude oil (10%) and natural gas (9%). For all years between 2001–02 and 2006–07, over half of Australia's supply of energy products was exported.

4610.0.55.008 Experimental Estimates of the Gross Value of Irrigated Agricultural Production, 2000–01 to 2006–07. Released 15/05/2009. First Issue.

The tables in this product relate to 2000-01 to 2006-07 for Australia, States, Territories and the Murray-Darling Basin. In 2006-07, irrigated agricultural land comprised less than 0.5% of all agricultural land in Australia. The gross value of irrigated agricultural production (GVIAP) in Australia was $12,319 million, which represented 34% of the total gross value of agricultural production. Victoria’s contribution to total GVIAP was $3,303 million (or 27%) in 2006-07.

In 2006-07, fruit and nuts contributed the highest value to total Australian irrigated production of $2,913 million, followed by vegetables ($2,526 million) and dairy production ($1,697 million). These three commodities accounted for 58% of total GVIAP in 2006-07.

In 2006-07, the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB) had irrigated production to the value of $4,936 million, or 40% of Australia’s total value of irrigated production. MDB irrigated production accounted for 39% of total value of all agricultural commodities produced in the Basin. Commodities contributing most to the value of MDB irrigated production were fruit and nuts ($1,207 million or 24%), dairy production ($763 million or 15%) and grapes ($651 million or 13%).

There are some commodities for which the value of irrigated production contributes significantly to the total value of agricultural production. The entire value of rice production in Australia ($55 million in 2006-07) is produced under irrigation. The irrigated value of production from cotton, grapes, fruit and nuts, vegetables and nurseries, cut flowers and cultivated turf in 2006-07 accounted for 80% or more of total production for each of those products.

4618.0 Water Use on Australian Farms, 2007-08. Released 26/05/2009.

Australia's farms dropped their irrigation water usage by almost one fifth during 2007-08, to a new low of 6,285 gigalitres. Most of this decrease was due to less irrigation on pasture and crops grown for grazing, hay and silage, and cotton and rice crops.

The biggest drop happened again in the Murray-Darling Basin, where water use was down by 30%, compared with a 1% drop for the rest of Australia. The Murray-Darling Basin still made up half (3,142 gigalitres) of Australia's total irrigation, but this is down considerably from just two years earlier when it comprised over two-thirds of the total. The largest use of water by farmers in the Murray-Darling Basin was for irrigation of cereals (805 gigalitres); pastures and crops for grazing (657 gigalitres) and grapevines (434 gigalitres).

While the volume of irrigation water dropped nationally, there was only a slight fall in the area irrigated (down 4%) giving an average application rate of 3.4 megalitres per hectare, the lowest in recent years. The thirstiest crop was still rice, taking 12.9 megalitres per hectare, but on a much reduced crop.

4627.0 Land Management and Farming in Australia, 2007-08. Released 29/05/2009. First Issue

Information on cropping and pasture management, soil management, fertiliser use, surface water and effluent management, natural environment conservation protection and farm management. Estimates in this publication provide benchmark data on resource management practices for the Australian Government's Caring for our Country program.

In Australia during 2007-08, 75,000 farmers prepared land for crops or pastures, with 40,000 (53%) using zero-tilling methods. A total of 17.5 million hectares were prepared using zero-till methods. One or two cultivation passes were used on 8.1 million hectares.

Approximately half of all businesses with native vegetation, wetlands, or rivers and creeks reported protecting these areas for conservation purposes. The majority of graziers (69%) reported monitoring ground cover levels in their paddocks, with over half of these having set a minimum target.

Fertiliser was used by 62% of Australian farms, ranging from 79% in Western Australia to 44% in Queensland. Total fertiliser used was 6.6 million tonnes, including 4.3 million tonnes of chemical fertilisers, and 2.3 million tonnes of animal manure. Soil acidity required management by 17% of Australian farmers, and most of these used lime or dolomite to treat their land. Less than 6% planted acid tolerant crops or pastures as a means of managing for soil acidity.

Datacubes present data on adverse seasonal conditions in 2007-08, and the farm management responses found effective in dealing with them. Data are published at the Australian, State and regional (Natural Resource Management region) levels.

4722.0.55.005 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Home Ownership: A snapshot, 2006. Released 25/03/2009. First Issue

This snapshot provides information about rates of home ownership for Indigenous and other Australian households, and about the characteristics of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians according to selected tenure types. The topics covered in this snapshot include comparisons of tenure type in the states and territories and in remoteness areas, family composition and housing choices, and the association between housing tenure and educational attainment, labour force status, income, health and well-being.

4724.0.55.001 Diabetes in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, 2004-05. Released 31/03/2009.

The burden of diabetes is greater for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than it is for other Australians. For all Australians, developing diabetes later in life is more likely to occur for those who lead an inactive lifestyle, and are overweight or obese. Eating a healthy diet and exercising every day will reduce the risk of developing diabetes.

Ten percent of Indigenous females living in remote areas had diabetes or high sugar level (HSL); compared with a 6% rate for Indigenous females in non-remote areas. The same pattern occurred for males (8% vs 4%). After adjusting for age differences of the two population structures, Indigenous people were three times more likely to be living with diabetes or HSL than non-Indigenous people. Indigenous people living in remote areas of Australia were more than eight times more likely to report having diabetes or HSL than non-Indigenous people.
5249.0 Australian National Accounts: Tourism Satellite Account, 2007-08. Released 16/04/2009.

Tourism is not easily identified as an industry or product in international statistical standards, but is commonly considered an industry by tourism researchers and economic analysts. In the Australian Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), direct contribution of tourism industry to the Australian economy has been measured using demand generated by visitors and supply of tourism products by domestic producers. This publication presents key TSA results for 1999-2000 to 2007-08.

Tourism consumption is the total value of goods and services consumed by visitors. It is measured in purchaser's prices (price paid by tourism consumer). In 2007-08 tourism consumption increased by 4.5% to $88,723m. International tourism consumption was valued at $23,593m and domestic tourism consumption at $65,130m.

The largest contributors to growth in tourism gross value added were accommodation (up $438m, 9.6%), education (up $368m, 18.0%), ownership of dwellings (up $234m, 10.7%), cafes, restaurants and takeaway food outlets (up $230m, 7.3%), and other retail trade (up $153m, 4.0%). The largest negative contributors were other manufacturing (down $130m, 12.8%), due to an increase in consumption of imported goods by visitors, and decreased motor vehicle hiring (down $97m, 11.7%).

Major contributors to total tourism consumption continue to be long distance passenger transportation, takeaway and restaurant meals, shopping (including gifts and souvenirs) and accommodation services. Combined, these products contribute 55.9% of total tourism consumption in 2007-08.

Overall decrease in number of international visitors to Australia was driven mainly by falls in visitors from Japan, United Kingdom and Korea. In contrast, the number of Australians travelling overseas grew strongly by 11.2% in 2007-08, with the strong growth driven by increase in Australians visiting Indonesia, Thailand and United States of America.

5506.0 Taxation Revenue, Australia, 2007-08. Released 14/04/2009.

This publication contains statistics of taxation revenue collected by all levels of government in Australia for the periods 1998-99 to 2007-08. Total taxation revenue collected in Australia increased by $28,554 million (8.9%) between 2006-07 and 2007-08. Taxes on income increased by $19,198 million (10.1%) and taxes on the provision of goods and services increased $5,056 million (3.3%).

5518.0.55.001 Government Finance Statistics, Education, Australia, 2007-08. Released 14/04/2009

This release contains statistics for expenditure on education by the general government sector for the period 2002-03 to 2007-08. Government expenditure on education refers to expenditure on all levels of education, such as pre-school, primary, secondary, university, and technical and further education (TAFE), by the general government sector.

Expenditure on education by all levels of general government increased by $3,619 million (7.0%), from $51,854 million in 2006-07 to $55,473 million in 2007-08. Total expenditure on education by the Commonwealth Government reached $18,694 million, with expenditure by the state and local governments totalling $39,613.

During 2007-08, Victorian state and local government spent $9.7b on education. Primary and secondary education took $7.0b, tertiary education $1.7b, pre-school and education not definable by level $0.6b, and transportation of students $0.3b. employee expenses accounted for $4.7b, and non-employee expenses $2.1b.

6275.0 Locations of Work, Nov 2008. Released 08/05/2009.

Presents information about the types of places where people work with particular focus on people who worked at home. In November 2008, there were just over 10.1 million people at work in Australia during the reference week (an increase of 7.4% on November 2005). Of these:

• 24% worked at least some hours at home in their main or second job, of which 32% worked only or mainly at home (7.6% of all employed people at work in the reference week).
• 34% spent some time travelling for work in their main job
• 41% worked at two or more location types in their main job
• 20% usually worked at least some hours at home in their main job.

Some 576,400 people were multiple jobholders in Australia during November 2008.

Victoria had 159,500 employed persons who worked from their own home (6.5% of Victorian employed persons) in the reference week, and another 94,100 who worked from an employer's or client's home (3.8%). An estimated 623,800 persons (25.3%) worked 'any' hours at home in their main or second job. Some 191,700 Victorians worked only or mainly at home in their main or second job.

6310.0 Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership, Australia, Aug 2008. Released 17/04/2009.

Presents information about the distribution of weekly earnings of employees, their entitlement to leave (paid holiday, paid sick, paid long service and paid maternity/paternity leave), superannuation coverage and trade union membership. This information can be cross-classified by characteristics such as age, sex, country of birth, full-time or part-time status, industry and occupation of main job.

In Australia during August 2008, there were 9.3 million people (4.9 million men and 4.3 million women) who were employees in their main job. Of these, 71% were full-time employees in their main job (86% of male employees and 54% of female employees). Other characteristics of employees included: 72% were full-time workers when taking account of all jobs, mean weekly earnings for employees in their main job was $948, 19% were trade union members in relation to their main job, and 91% were provided with superannuation by their current employer.

In Victoria, employees in their main job who worked full-time had mean weekly earnings (all jobs) of: $1,209 (males), $974 (females), and $1,125 (persons). Part-time workers (all jobs) earned: $368 (males), $425 females, and $410 (persons).

6416.0 House Price Indexes: Eight Capital Cities, Mar 2009. Released 04/05/2009.

Over the year to March 2009, preliminary estimates show that the price index for established houses fell 6.7% in Melbourne, which matched the weighted eight capital cities average (-6.7%).

7121.0 Agricultural Commodities, Australia, 2007-08. Released 22/05/2009.

Final estimates for the main commodities collected in the 2007-08 Agricultural Resource Management Survey (ARMS). Included are statistics on land use, industry activity, crop and horticulture area and production, and livestock. The 2007-08 survey found that the number of businesses undertaking agricultural activity at 30 June 2008 had fallen by 6% to 141,000 businesses.

The 2007-08 season was characterised by improved growing conditions in most states. However, crop production remains at among the lowest levels in five years. Easing of weather conditions in many areas saw production for the majority of the broadacre crops increase from the previous year's harvest. Victoria reported the largest state increase in wheat production, up by 127% to almost 2 million tonnes. National plantings for cotton and rice decreased significantly from 2006-07 estimates. Australian sheep and lamb numbers fell to 76.9 million, the lowest level recorded since 1920. 8106.0 Not-for-profit Organisations, Australia, 2006-07 (Re-Issue). Released 12/06/2009.

At end-June 2007, there were 41,008 not-for-profit organisations in Australia. Religious organisations accounted for 21.4% (8,786) of all not-for-profit organisations, followed by culture and recreation organisations (20.1%, 8,258).

Not-for-profit organisations employed 889,919 people. Social services organisations accounted for 24.9% of total employees (221,549 people), followed by education and research organisations (24.5%, 218,388).

Permanent full-time employees accounted for 41.4% of total employment (368,514 people) in the not-for-profit sector, and permanent part-time and casual employees 34.3% (305,332) and 24.3% (216,074) respectively. In addition to paid employees, there were 2,182,476 volunteers during 2006-07.

Industry value added by these organisations was $35.9b for 2006-07 and capital expenditure was $8.8b. Data includes: number of organisations, employment, volunteers, income, expenses, operating surplus before tax and industry value added, with breakdowns by type of not-for-profit organisation.

8153.0 Internet Activity, Australia, Dec 2008. Released 06/04/2009.

Mobile wireless access connections had 1.30 million subscribers, or almost 20% of all non dial-up access connections. More ISPs offered this service, networks increased in coverage and prices fell. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) continued to be the dominant access technology used for non dial-up subscribers, increasing to 4.21 million subscribers, or almost 63% of all non dial-up connections. Access to higher download speeds have increased since June 2008, with approximately 50% of all subscribers using a download speed of 1.5Mbps or greater.

In December 2008, Victoria had 1,819,000 internet subscribers registered with internet service providers (that had more than 1,000 active subscribers).

8155.0 Australian Industry, 2007-08. Released 28/05/2009.

Presents estimates of the economic and financial performance of Australian industry for 2007–08. Data are compiled from the ABS Economic Activity Survey (EAS) and from Business Activity Statement (BAS) data reported to the Australian Taxation Office. Estimates are based on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006 edition.

Financial and quantity data relating to the Energy Supply Survey industry for 2007–08 are available; collected from all electricity and natural gas producers, transmitters and distributors.

As measured by share of sales and services income, four different industries predominated in the various jurisdictions. In 2007-08, sales and services income for Wholesale trade was the largest in New South Wales and Victoria. In Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Northern Territory, Manufacturing was the largest industry. In Western Australia, Mining was the largest, followed by Manufacturing. Retail trade had the largest sales and service income in the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of wages and salaries the distribution is quite different. Professional, scientific and technical services was the largest industry in New South Wales, Western Australia and Australian Capital Territory. Manufacturing was the largest of selected industries in 2007-08 in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. In Queensland and Northern Territory, the predominant industry was Construction.

8166.0 Summary of IT Use and Innovation in Australian Business, 2007-08. Released 25/06/2009.

During 2007-08, 45% of all Australian businesses undertook some form of innovation activity; including the development or introduction of new or significantly improved goods, services, processes or methods. Some 59% of wholesale trade businesses reported being innovation-active, the highest of any industry.

Although the proportion of businesses receiving orders over the internet was relatively unchanged at 24%, income received from internet orders rose by 20% to $81 billion. Over one-third (36%) of businesses have a web presence. Large businesses (96%) were more than three times as likely to have a web presence than small businesses (27%). Australia level data only.

8560.0 Museums, Australia, 2007-08. Released 27/03/2009.

This survey provides detailed measures of the performance, structure and activity of museums and art galleries operating in Australia. It includes: the composition of income and funding received; details of expenses incurred; characteristics of employment; and selected activities of museums and art galleries.

Australia’s 1,184 museum organisations received $657.8m in government funding in 2007-08. State Government funding comprised 62.2% of the total, followed by Federal Government funding of 31.2%, with 6.6% coming from Local Government.

At end-June 2008, museums and art galleries employed 7,856 people. In addition to paid employees there were 23,426 volunteers in museums and art galleries during June 2008. Museums and art galleries held over 52 million museum objects/artworks (at end-June 2008); however, only 5.4% were on display for public viewing. Victoria held the most (38%) museum objects/artworks, followed by New South Wales (34%).

8667.0 Legal Services, Australia, 2007-08. Released 24/06/2009.

This survey provides detailed measures of the performance and structure of legal services businesses/organisations operating in Australia. At end-June 2008, there were 15,326 businesses and organisations mainly engaged in the provision of legal services or legal support services. They employed 99,696 persons, generated income of $18.0b during 2007-08, incurred expenses of $12.4b, and contributed total industry value added of $10.9b to the Australian economy.

In Victoria, there were 4,048 businesses and organisations mainly engaged in the provision of legal services or legal support services. They employed 25,056 persons, generated income of $4.3b during 2007-08, and incurred expenses of $2.9b.Information papers, research papers, and classifications

1218.0 Standard Economic Sector Classifications of Australia (SESCA), 2008. Released 22/06/2009.

Contains the Standard Institutional Sector Classification of Australia (SISCA) and associated classifications which are used in compilation and publication of national accounts and related statistics. Some examples of associated classifications are the Public/Private, Level of Government and Jurisdiction classifications.

1220.0 ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, First Edition, Revision 1. Released 25/06/2009.

ANZSCO was first released in September 2006. Revision 1 is the first update, and includes minor changes to the classification structure and definitional changes for some occupations.

1352.0.55.092 Research Paper: Imputation and Estimation for a Thematic Form Census (Methodology Advisory Committee), November 2007. Released 22/04/2009.

This paper discusses a thematic form approach to Census of Population and Housing that aims to extend the number of items collected without increasing respondent burden

1352.0.55.099 Research Paper: Reviewing the ABS' Hedonic Regression Model for Desktop Computers (Methodology Advisory Committee), November 2008. Released 25/03/2009.

When faced with the task of measuring prices for products that undergo rapid quality change (for example, consumer durables such as computers, whitegoods and cars), international best practice is to develop hedonic price indexes, provided suitable source data are available.

4529.0 Conceptual Framework for Family and Domestic Violence, 2009. Released 18/05/2009. First Issue.

This information paper presents a conceptual framework for family and domestic violence statistics that will: identify complexities in developing definitions of family and domestic violence, describe components of different definitions, provide a framework and elements through which to view family and domestic violence, and identify research and policy questions. The framework is expected to contribute to policy development, planning and delivery of services in relation to family and domestic violence, and become a tool for further policy and program development.

6345.0.55.001 Information Paper: Update on ANZSIC 2006 Implementation for Labour Price Index, 2009. Released 24/06/2009.

The Labour Price Index will be presented using the ANZSIC 2006 classification from the September quarter 2009 release (due 18 November 2009).Other releases

1344.0 International Monetary Fund - Special Data Dissemination Standard, 2006. Released 01/06/2009

4156.0.55.001 Perspectives on Sport, May 2009. Released 25/05/2009

4626.0.55.001 Environmental views and behaviour, 2007-08. (2nd issue). Released 18/06/2009

4653.0 Environment and Energy News, Jun 2009. Released 22/06/2009

5368.0.55.006 Characteristics of Australian Exporters, 2007-08. Released 26/03/2009

5512.0 Government Finance Statistics, Australia, 2007-08. Released 14/04/2009.

5673.0.55.003 Regional Wage and Salary Earner Statistics, Australia - Data Cubes, 2005-06. Released 16/04/2009

6104.0 Labour Statistics in Brief, Australia, 2009. Released 22/05/2009

6204.0.55.001 Labour Force Historical Timeseries, Australia, February 2009. Released 04/05/2009

5352.0 International Investment Position, Australia: Supplementary Statistics, 2008. Released 15/05/2009

7307.0 Wheat Use and Stocks, Australia, April 2009. Released 05/06/2009

8418.0 Mining Statistics Newsletter, May 2009. Released 12/06/2009. First Issue


Main Economic Indicators (MEIs). Also released during the past quarter were a number of monthly and quarterly MEIs which can be accessed from the ABS website home page <www.abs.gov.au>. Examples of MEIs include: housing finance, building approvals, labour force, consumer price index, sales of new motor vehicles, and retail trade.