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

Selected releases

1329.0 Australian Wine and Grape Industry, 2008. Released 28/11/2008.

In 2008, Victoria had 35 thousand hectares of irrigated grapevines. The three main grape growing states (SA, NSW & Vic) have about 90% of vineyards using irrigation. The average usage of water was 3.2 megalitres per hectare, with Victoria averaging 4.1 megalitres per hectare.

Victoria had 22.7% of all Australian winemaking locations and 16.3% of all grapes crushed. In 2008, 476,842 tonnes of grapes were produced in Victoria, an increase of 13.7% on 2007; but below 2004-06 production levels. From 2007 to 2008, 547 hectares of vines (not yet bearing) were planted in Victoria. NW Victoria accounted for 62.4% of the area of vines bearing grapes in Victoria. See also 'Vineyards Estimates, Australia, 2007-08' (cat no 1329.0.55.002, released 30/10/2008).

3101.0 Australian Demographic Statistics, June 2008. Released 02/12/2008

At 30 June 2008, Victoria's preliminary estimated resident population (ERP) was 5,297,600, an increase of 92,700 persons (1.8%) on a year earlier. Australia's population grew by 1.7% during the 12 months. Natural increase and net overseas migration contributed 41% and 59% respectively to this total population growth. Western Australia recorded the largest proportional gain (2.7%) and Tasmania the smallest (1.0%).

3301.0 Births, Australia, 2007. Released 28/10/2008.

Australia's total fertility rate (TFR) in 2007 was 1.93 babies per woman, the highest since 1981 (1.94). The increase in TFR between 2006 and 2007 was largely due to births to women aged 25 to 34 years. Women aged 30-34 years experienced the highest fertility of all age groups in 2007, with 126.6 babies per 1,000 women. This was the highest rate recorded for women aged 30-34 years since 1962. Women aged 25-29 years continued to record the second highest fertility of all age groups, with 106.5 babies per 1,000 women in 2007. Fertility of women aged 35-39 years increased to 68.1 babies per 1,000 women, their highest rate since 1950.

In 2007, there were 285,200 births registered in Australia, 19,300 (7.2%) more than in 2006, and the highest number of annual births ever registered in Australia. The median age of all mothers of births registered in 2007 was 30.7 years, while the median age of all fathers was 33.1 years. In 2007, 67% of births were to parents in a registered marriage, compared with 82% in 1987. There were 14,200 births (5% of all births) registered in Australia where at least one parent identified themselves as being of Indigenous origin.

There were 70,313 births to women usually resident in Victoria during 2007. Victoria's TFR of 1.87 babies per woman was the highest since 1978.

3302.0 Deaths, Australia, 2007. Released 25/11/2008.

Life expectancy in Australia continues to increase, with a boy born today expected to live 79.0 years and a girl 83.7 years. Since 1987, life expectancy at birth has increased by around six years for men and four years for women.

The standardised death rate in 2007 was the same as in 2005 and 2006, which are the lowest on record at 6.0 deaths per 1,000 people. In 1987, the rate was 9.1 deaths per 1,000 people. There were 137,900 deaths (70,600 men and 67,300 women) in Australia during 2007.

There were 1,200 infant deaths in 2007, a decrease of 60 infant deaths (or 4.7%) on 2006. The 2007 infant mortality rate was 4.2 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, 11% lower than 2006 (4.7). Infant mortality rates for Indigenous Australians were around twice the rate for all Australians. Victorian data cubes exist as cat. no. 3302.2.55.001.

3306.0.55.001 Marriages, Australia, 2007. Released 30/09/2008

In 2007, there were 116,322 registered marriages in Australia, representing an increase of 2,100 (1.8%) on 2006. This is the highest number of marriages registered in a single year since 1990. The 2007 crude marriage rate was 5.5 marriages per 1,000 estimated resident population, compared with 7.1 marriages per 1,000 in 1988.

The median age of people married in 2007 was 31.6 years for males and 29.3 years for females. The median age of people getting married for the first time (29.6 years for males, 27.6 years for females) was slightly lower than for total population median age. Since 1988, the median age at marriage has increased by 3.8 years for males and 3.9 years for females. The highest age-specific marriage rates were in the 25-29 year age group, with 46.4 per 1,000 males in this age group and 52.0 per 1,000 females married in 2007. Some 77.7% of people married had not been married previously. There were 26,967 marriages registered in Victoria.

4156.0 Sports and Physical Recreation: A Statistical Overview, Australia, 2008 (Edition 2). Released 03/10/2008

This publication provides a statistical overview on sports and physical recreation in Australia. The sports and physical recreation sector includes organisations providing sports services, manufacturers and distributors of sports equipment, professional sports people, and others involved in paid employment or voluntary work within the sector.

In Australia, there were 10.5 million persons aged 15 years and over (65.9% of the adult population) who participated in physical activities for recreation, exercise or sport at some time during the 12 months prior to interview in 2005–06. Of these persons, 4.4 million (42.1%) participated in organised sports and physical recreation. The most popular organised sport for boys (5–14 years) was soccer (outdoor) with 268,500 participants (19.6%), whereas for girls it was swimming with 236,800 participants (18.2%).

Australian Rules football and horse racing were the sports most attended by both males and females. Australian Rules was attended by 19.2% of males and 12.5% of females over 12 months, while horse racing was attended by 13.8% of males and 11.2% of females.

Engineering construction work worth $1,790.3m was done for recreation projects (including landscaping) during 2006–07. Sport and camping equipment retailers recorded retail sales of $2,270.3m in 2005–06, while Marine equipment retailers had sales of $1,103.2m.

4172.0 Arts and Culture in Australia: A Statistical Overview, 2008 (Second Edition). Released 22/10/2008

Contains information on a range of topics including employment in culture, time spent on cultural activities, attendance at cultural venues and events, expenditure on culture, and import and export of cultural goods and services. Also provides profiles of cultural sectors, grouped according to the Australian Culture and Leisure Industry Classification.

4326.0 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 2007. Released 23/10/2008

The 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing collected information from approximately 8,800 Australians aged 16–85 years. The prevalence of selected lifetime and 12-month mental disorders (eg. experienced symptoms of a mental disorder in 12 months prior to survey interview) are discussed by three major disorder groups: Anxiety disorders (eg. social phobia), Affective disorders (eg. depression) and Substance use disorders (eg. harmful alcohol use). It also provides information on health services used for mental health problems, physical conditions, social networks and caregiving, demographic and socio-economic characteristics.

There were 3.2 million people who had a 12-month mental disorder, or 20% of Australians aged 16–85 years. This comprised 14% (2.3 million) of Australians aged 16–85 years with a 12-month Anxiety disorder, 6% (995,900) with a 12-month Affective disorder, and 5% (819,800) with a 12-month Substance use disorder. Women experienced higher rates of 12-month mental disorders than men (22% to 18%). Most data is only available at national level.

Of the 2.5 million Australians aged 16–24 years, more than a quarter (26%) had a 12 month mental disorder. The proportion was similar for people aged 25–34 years (25%), compared to 6% for those aged 75–85 years.


4440.0.55.001 Volunteers in Sport, Australia, 2006. Released 30/10/2008. First Issue

Summary data on sports volunteers from the 2006 General Social Survey. 'Volunteers in Sport' consists of two data cubes; the first presents data for Australia, and the second data for states and territories. About one-third of the Australian population aged 18 years and over participated in voluntary work (5.2 million or 34.1%). A third of these, or just over 1.7 million people (11.2%) volunteered for sports and physical recreation organisations. Data on all volunteers from the 2006 General Social Survey (GSS) was published in 'Voluntary Work, Australia, 2006' (cat. no. 4441.0).

4448.0 A Profile of Carers in Australia, 2008. Released 14/10/2008. First Issue

Provides an overview of the characteristics and activities of people who provide informal assistance to someone with a disability, long-term health condition or older people (aged 60 years and over). Information was drawn from the 2006 Census of Population and Housing and three ABS surveys: 2003 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers; 2006 General Social Survey and 2006 Time Use Survey.

Concern for carers' well-being, and an appreciation of the value of work they do, has made carers a key social policy concern. Carers enable older people to 'age in place', and people with a disability or long-term illness to remain in the community. In 2003, there were 2.5 million carers aged 15 years and over (16% of total persons 15 years and over). Of the 2.5 million carers, around 475,000 (or 19% of all carers) were primary carers. In 2006, the carer rate among the population aged 15 years and over was highest in Inner Regional areas (12%) and lowest in Remote areas (9%). The median age of the carer population (aged 15 years and over) was 48 years, while for non-carers it was 40 years. Another related ABS release is 'People with a Need for Assistance - A Snapshot 2006' (cat no 4445.0. Released 05/08/2008).

4512.0 Corrective Services, Australia, Sep 2008. Released 27/11/2008

The Australian Capital Territory (including ACT prisoners held in NSW prisons) and Victoria had the lowest imprisonment rates: 64 and 106 prisoners per 100,000 adult population, respectively. In September quarter 2008, the average daily number of full-time prisoners in Australia was 25,267 males (93%) and 1,913 females (7%). The Australian average daily imprisonment rate for males was 314 prisoners per 100,000 adult male population, while for females it was 23 prisoners per 100,000. The lowest proportions of unsentenced prisoners (confined to custody while awaiting outcome of trial) were recorded in Victoria (19%) and Western Australia (21%).

4602.0.55.001 Environmental Issues: Energy Use and Conservation, Mar 2008. Released 28/11/2008. First Issue

Presents information on environmental behaviour and practices in Australian households at March 2008, for people aged 18 years and over. There has been an increase in the use of insulation in homes, up from 52% of Australian dwellings in 1994 to 61% in 2008. Electricity was the main source for ovens (75%) and cooktops (56%), and also the most commonly used energy source for hot water systems (46%) and space heating (35%).

Solar energy use has increased from 5% in 2002 to 8% in 2008. It was used primarily for heating water. In the Northern Territory and Western Australia, 54% and 21% of households, respectively, had solar hot water. There was a substantial increase in households with air conditioners and evaporative coolers, from 32% of dwellings in 1994 to 67% in 2008. Reverse cycle/heat pump has been the most popular system of cooling since 1994.

5220.0 Australian National Accounts: State Accounts, 2007-08. Released 14/11/2008

This publication contains state and territory estimates of gross domestic product (referred to as gross state product (GSP) and its components (in current price and volume terms) for 1998-99 to 2007-08. During 2007-08, volume GSP increased in all states: Queensland (5.3%), Western Australia (5.2%), Northern Territory (3.9%) and South Australia (3.8%). Growth in New South Wales (2.8%), Victoria (3.2%), Tasmania (3.4%) and Australian Capital Territory (2.5%) was below Australian GDP growth of 3.7%.

Volume growth in gross value added was positive in all states in 2007-08. The strongest growth was in Western Australia (up 6.2%), followed by Queensland (up 4.4%), Victoria (up 3.9%) and the Northern Territory (up 3.8%). Growth in Western Australia was partially driven by Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (up 18.8%) and Manufacturing (up 16.4%); and in Victoria Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (up 13.5%) showed growth.

6227.0 Education and Work, Australia, May 2008. Released 26/11/2008

In Victoria, there were 688,300 people aged 15-64 years enrolled in a course of study. Some 265,800 (38.6%) of these enrolled people were attending a higher education institution, 189,800 (27.6%) were at school, 148,500 (21.6%) were at Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutions, and 84,200 (12.2%) were at other educational institutions. In May 2008, 51.3% of the people enrolled in a course of study were female, 42.6% were aged 15-19 years, and 67% were studying full-time.

Among the 1.9 million people in Victoria with a non-school qualification (see note below), 30.8% reported attaining a Bachelor Degree, 27.2% reported having a Certificate III/IV, and 16.4% had a Advanced Diploma/Diploma.

Some 29.2% of Victorian people aged 15-64 years reported their level of highest educational attainment as Year 11 or below, and 20.5% reported Year 12.

There were 105,500 Victorians who had not studied for any qualification during 2007 but had since started such a course. Of these, 54.9% were females and 86.6% were employed, 61.7% of whom were employed full-time. Some 24.1% people aged 20-24 years were studying for a qualification, compared with 25.1% of persons aged 25-34 years.

Note: Non-school qualifications are awarded for educational attainments other than pre-primary, primary or secondary education. They include qualifications at Postgraduate Degree level, Master Degree level, Graduate Diploma and Graduate Certificate level, Bachelor Degree level, Advanced Diploma and Diploma level, and Certificates I, II, III and IV levels.

7111.0 Principal Agricultural Commodities, Australia, Preliminary, 2007-08. Released 14/11/2008

During 2007-08, 4.9 million hectares were sown to barley for grain in Australia, up 18% on 2006-07. The main growing states were Western Australia (1.4 million hectares), South Australia (1.2 million hectares) and Victoria (1.1 million hectares).

Some 1.0 million hectares were sown to sorghum for grain, up 68% on 2006-07. In Queensland, the main growing state, the area sown was 744,000 hectares, and in New South Wales it was 284,000 hectares. Victoria was not a significant producer of sorghum. Australian production of sorghum for grain in 2007-08 rose 213% to a record 4.0 million tonnes.

Some 1.3 million hectares were sown to oats for grain, up 25% on 2006-07. The three main growing states were New South Wales (475,000 hectares), Western Australia (398,000 hectares) and Victoria (210,000 hectares). Production of oats for grain in 2007-08 rose 107% to 1.5 million tonnes, with Victoria producing 343,000 tonnes.

During 2007-08, Victoria produced 1.8 million tonnes of barley for grain, 2.0 million tonnes of wheat for grain, and an estimated 230,000 tonnes of canola.

The area planted to cotton in Australia fell by 48% from the previous year to 85,000 hectares, the lowest since 1980-81. The production of cotton lint fell by 44% to 158,000 tonnes. The area sown to rice fell by 85% from the previous year to 3,000 hectares, a fall of 97% from the area sown in 2005-06, and the lowest area sown since 1927. Rice production nationally fell by 86% to 23,000 tonnes.

Preliminary estimates indicate Australia had 2.5 million head of milk cattle at 30 June 2008. Victoria continued to dominate the dairy industry with a herd of 1.6 million, or 60% of national herd. There were 79.2 million sheep and lambs in Australia, the lowest number since 1920, with 17.5 million in Victoria. In 2007-08, 84% of Australian agricultural businesses reported experiencing adverse seasonal conditions. Estimates ranged from almost 90% of agricultural businesses in New South Wales and Victoria, to just over half in Western Australia.

7124.0 Historical Selected Agriculture Commodities, by State (1861 to Present), 2007. Released 07/11/2008

Contains historical agricultural production details. Variables include the area and production of wheat, oats, barley, maize and potatoes, number of sheep, cattle, pigs, horses, and tonnes of wool produced. This time series information is available for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Australia.

8104.0 Research and Experimental Development, Businesses, Australia, 2006-07. Released 14/10/2008

During 2006-07, business expenditure on research and development (BERD) in Australia was $12.0 billion. BERD increased by 16% in current price terms and 11% in chain volume terms from 2005-06. BERD increased from 1.07% to 1.15% of GDP from 2005-06 to 2006-07, remaining below the OECD average of 1.56%. In 2006-07, the largest contributors to BERD were Manufacturing ($3.8 billion or 31% of BERD), Mining ($2.5 billion or 21%) and Professional, scientific and technical services ($2.0 billion or 17%).

8112.0 Research and Experimental Development, All Sector Summary, Australia, 2006-07. Released 21/10/2008

Summary statistics on research and experimental development (R&D) performed by organisations within the Business, Government, Higher education and Private non-profit sectors for 2006-07. In 2006-07, gross national expenditure on R&D (GERD) was $21.0 billion, an increase of 32% ($5.0 billion) over 2004-05. GERD represented 2.01% of GDP in 2006-07, up from 1.78% in 2004-05; the first time this ratio has exceeded 2%. Business sector expenditure accounted for the largest proportion of GERD in 2006-07 (57% or $12.0 billion), followed by Higher education (26% or $5.4 billion). At industry level, the largest values of GERD were reported for Education and training (over $5 billion), Professional, scientific and technical services ($4.0 billion) and Manufacturing ($3.8 billion). Locations in New South Wales and Victoria accounted for over half (57%) of GERD in 2006-07, at $6.2 billion and $5.8 billion respectively.

8126.0 Information and Communication Technology, Australia, 2006-07. Released 07/10/2008

Data used in the compilation of these statistics were provided by Australian businesses considered to comprise the ICT industry (Australian interpretation of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) ICT industry definition).

At 30 June 2007, there were approximately 300,000 persons employed in Australia's ICT industries. Total income for all ICT industries in 2006-07 was $122.8 billion, of which almost three-quarters was attributable to the combined income of Wholesale trade ($50.9 billion) and Information media and telecommunications ($40.2 billion) industry groupings.

In 2006-07, ICT income (from the sale, distribution and provision of ICT products and services) totalled $97.8 billion (80% of total income for ICT industries), with the remainder coming from non-ICT products and services (eg. leased property). Industry groupings with the highest proportion of total income being ICT income were Information media and telecommunications (97%) and Computer system design and related services (94%). For further information about ICT industry groupings refer to ABS cat. no. 8126.0.

8146.0 Household Use of Information Technology, Australia, 2007-08. Released 18/12/2008

In 2007-08, 67% of Australian households had home Internet access and 75% had access to a computer. Between 1998 to 2007-08, household access to the Internet at home has more than quadrupled from 16% to 67%, while access to computers has increased by 31 percentage points to 75%.

In 2007-08, the number of households with a Broadband Internet connection increased 22% on 2006-07, to an estimated 4.3 million households. This represents over half (52%) of all households in Australia and 78% of households with Internet access. About 72% of people aged 15 years or over accessed the Internet (from any location) in the previous 12 months. Results from the 2006 Time Use Survey found that 6% of employed adults (15 years and over) had a teleworking agreement with their employer to access their computer via a modem so they could work from home.


8155.0 Australian Industry, 2006-07. Released 08/10/2008

The key aggregates of income, expenses and industry value added increased by 12%, 9% and 13% respectively for Total selected industries between 2005-06 and 2006-07. Operating profit before tax (OPBT) increased by 32%; and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 14%.

All industry divisions other than Agriculture, forestry and fishing (declined 2%) recorded increases in total income. The largest percentage increase was recorded by the Rental, hiring and real estate services industry (28%), while Manufacturing ($41.0b) had the largest absolute increase.

All industries recorded increases in total expenses: the largest percentage increase occurred in the Professional, scientific and technical services industry (16%) and largest absolute increase in Manufacturing ($35.4b).

In 2006–07, Manufacturing was the largest of the selected industries in four states (Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania). In New South Wales, Wholesale trade was the largest industry followed by Manufacturing.

8175.0 Counts of Australian Business Operators, 2006 to 2007. Released 01/10/2008. First Issue

Presents selected counts of Australian business operators as sourced from the 2007 Forms of Employment Survey (FOE) and 2006 Census of Population and Housing. Some 1.9 million owned and operated one or more businesses in Australia. The FOE survey found that the average business owner/operator was male (68%), aged of 25-54 (69%) and worked full time in their business (72%). Industries with the highest proportions of business operators were construction (20%); agriculture, forestry and fishing (11%); and professional, scientific and technical services (11%); with business owners working as managers and administrators (20%) or as tradepersons (19%). Information papers, research papers and classifications

Australian Standard Geographical Classification Review Outcomes

ABS released 'Information Paper, Outcomes from the Review of the Australian Standard Geographical Classification' (cat no 1216.0.55.002) in July 2008. This paper announced that the current ASGC will be replaced with the new Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS) in July 2011.

The diagram below summarises the new ASGS's structure.

The ASGS brings all spatial regions used by ABS (to output data) under the one umbrella. They are separated into two broad categories:

· ABS structures, those which are defined and maintained by ABS

· non-ABS structures, those defined and maintained by other organisations, but for which ABS supplies various data.

The ASGS statistical area (SA) levels are being designed over the next two years. SA2 boundaries for each state are the first level being designed. They have emerged as the key level in ABS Structures, as they are the level for which Estimated Residential Population (ERP) data will be modelled and released, along with the majority of other ABS sub-state intercensal data. SA2s will have a minimum population of 3,000 and a maximum of 25,000. They are conceptually different from the current Statistical Local Areas and will therefore have different boundaries.

The draft Victorian SA2 boundaries are under development during January 2009 in consultation with the Department of Planning and Community Development. They will then be released for 3 months of wider consultation. ABS Geography staff intend to hold a seminar and meetings with interested stakeholders in February 2009. If you are interested in being involved please contact Mizan Laskar (email: <victoria.statistics@abs.gov.au>).

SA1s are the smallest areas for which a wide range of Population Census data will be released. They will have a population of about 400 people, comparable in size to the Census Collection District.

SA3s and SA4s will be the last ABS statistical area levels developed. SA4s will be used for the release of Labour Force Statistics and have a population in the region of 200,000. SA3s are a medium sized unit with a more variable population from 30,000 to 130,000. Urban Centres and Localities (UCL)(Section of State) and Remoteness structures require data from the 2011 Census to enable design. ABS intends to generate UCL boundaries on a similar basis to past.

The non-ABS structures will be developed up to and beyond the 2011 Census of Population and Housing. Apart from Indigenous geography, which will be more integrated into ABS structures, other non-ABS geographies will be approximated using mesh blocks close to the date of Census. The ABS will continue to support Local Government Areas with the same data currently available at this geographical level.

If you have any questions about the new Geography please email <geography@abs.gov.au>.

1205.0.55.001 Information Paper: Cause of Death Certification Australia, 2008. Released 25/11/2008

A guide for Medical Practitioners in accurately completing Medical Certificates of Cause of Death. Sufficiently detailed cause of death information ensures accurate and timely cause of death statistics are available to data users, and frees medical practitioners from the extra burden of answering queries relating to incomplete or inadequate documentation on the certificate. Included in the information paper is a death certification quick reference guide.

1292.0.55.005 Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006 - Correspondence Tables, 2008. Released 03/12/2008
There are a number of correspondence tables which will assist users in identifying the relevant corresponding industry class in another classification. The available correspondence tables for ANZSIC 2006 are: ANZSIC 1993 - ANZSIC 2006; ANZSIC 2006 - ANZSIC 1993; ISIC Rev.3.1 - ANZSIC 2006; ANZSIC 2006 - ISIC Rev.3.1; ISIC Rev.4 - ANZSIC 2006; ANZSIC 2006 - ISIC Rev.4.

3302.0.55.002 Discussion Paper: Assessment of Methods for Developing Life Tables for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, 2006. Released 17 November, 2008

This paper presents an assessment of various methods for adjusting incomplete Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) death registration data for use with the latest available estimates of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, so as to compile Indigenous life tables and life expectancy estimates. It describes the methods considered and results of analysis (including resulting life expectancy estimates). It also describes the limitations, including sensitivity analysis of various methods. An ABS preferred approach is presented, although given the limitations of available data, estimates will continue to be considered experimental. The paper's purpose is to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to provide ABS with feedback on the topic to ensure all issues are adequately considered before finalising experimental Indigenous life tables and life expectancy estimates in early-2009. The discussion paper was released in conjunction with Information Paper: Census Data Enhancement - Indigenous Mortality Quality Study, 2006-07 (cat. no. 4723.0).

4105.0.55.001 Information Paper: Data Gaps in Early Childhood: Identifying and bringing together available information. Released 30/01/2009

This information paper reports on a data mapping pilot project undertaken by ABS, in collaboration with several other agencies. The project's aim is to consider ways of improving the evidence base on early childhood, through better use of existing data held by government agencies. This project will investigate the existing range of data sources relevant to identified high priority policy questions in early childhood learning and care. This will include ascertaining how existing data sources relate to key information requirements, where gaps exist and what access arrangements are in place.

4610.0.55.006 Information Paper: Methods of estimating the Gross Value of Irrigated Agricultural Production, 2008. Released 31/10/2008. First Issue

Gross Value of Irrigated Agricultural Production (GVIAP) refers to the gross value of agricultural commodities produced with the assistance of irrigation. Over the past 18 months, ABS has been developing an improved methodology for calculating GVIAP. It is proposed that experimental estimates based on the improved methodology will be published in Experimental Estimates of the Gross Value of Irrigated Agricultural Production 2000–01 to 2006–07 (cat. no. 4610.0.55.008) in early-2009 and also the next edition of the ABS Water Account, Australia (cat. no. 4610.0) (for reference period 2008–09).

4916.0 Towards Comparable Statistics for Cultural Heritage Organisations, 2008. Released 17/11/2008. First Issue

Identifies a set of key measures and standard methodologies to facilitate information sharing, benchmarking and time series comparisons among cultural heritage organisations. This is a first step towards an improvement in the overall quality and comparability of key data collected by Australia's cultural heritage sector, which encompasses museums, libraries, art museums and archives. Key measures covered include number of visits to the organisation, visitor satisfaction, age and sex distribution of visitors, size of collection, number of employees/volunteers and financial information.

5368.0.55.011 Information paper: Changes to International Trade in Goods Industry Statistics, July 2009. Released 18/12/2008

Describes changes that will be made to Australian export and import goods statistics classified by industry. These changes will result from implementation of the 2006 update to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC). This paper also advises on timing of the introduction of ANZSIC 2006 in export and import statistics. Other releases

1001.0 Australian Bureau of Statistics - Annual Report, 2007-08. Released 17/10/2008

1002.0 Australian Statistics Advisory Council - Annual Report, 2007-08. Released 17/10/2008

1330.0 Education News, Nov 2008. Released 03/11/2008

1386.0 What's New in Regional Statistics, Dec 2008. Released 03/12/2008

3201.0 Population by Age and Sex, Australian States and Territories, Jun 2008. Released 15/12/2008

3302.2.55.001 Life Tables, Victoria, 2005 to 2007. Released 25/11/2008

3303.0.55.001 Causes of Death, Australia: Doctor Certified Deaths, Summary Tables, 2007. Released 25/11/2008

4517.0 Prisoners in Australia, 2008. Released 11/12/2008

4722.0.55.006 Overweight and Obesity - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: A snapshot, 2004-05. Released 29/10/2008. First Issue

5260.0.55.002 Experimental Estimates of Industry Multifactor Productivity, 2007-08. Released 19/11/2008

5368.0.55.003 International Trade in Services by Country, by State and by Detailed Services Category, Financial Year, 2007-08. Released 05/11/2008

6209.0 Labour Mobility, Australia, Feb 2008. Released 28/10/2008

6361.0.55.003 Employment Arrangements, Retirement and Superannuation; State Tables, April to July 2007. Released 15/12/2008. First Issue

6524.0.55.002 Estimates of Personal Income for Small Areas, 2001-02 to 2005-06. Released 17/12/2008

7105.0 ABS Agriculture Statistics Collection Strategy - 2008-09 and beyond, 2008-09. Released 17/12/2008

7121.0.55.002 Agricultural Survey, Apples and Pears, Australia, 2007-08. Released 17/12/2008


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.