1100.2 - Statistics Victoria (Newsletter), Jun 2006  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 21/07/2006   
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In this issue:

2006 Victorian Census Update
ABS Retail and Wholesale Economic Activity Survey 2005-06
Victorian Statistics Advisory Forum Meeting of 6 June 2006
Measures of Australia's Progress
ABS Forward Work Program, 2006-07 to 2008-09
2006 Environmental Household Survey and User Review
Water use snapshot
New Confidentialised Unit Record File pricing policy
Victorian Community Indicators Project
NSW In Focus
Australian Demographic Statistics
Historical Population Statistics
Population by Age and Sex, Victoria
Migration, Australia
Apparent Consumption of Alcohol
Child Care
Crime and Safety
Recorded Crime - Victims
Health and Welfare of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey
Australian National Accounts: Tourism Satellite Account
Taxation Revenue
Government Finance Statistics
Government Finance Statistics, Education
Household Wealth and Wealth Distribution
Clubs, Pubs, Taverns and Bars
Review of Methodology for Estimating Taxes on Production in the Calculation of Household Final Income
Methodology for Producing Synthetic Microdata for Income in Non-survey Years
Imputation in Longitudinal Surveys: The Case of HILDA
Modellers' Database
National Health Survey: Users' Guide
Other selected releases
ABS statistical training
Points of contact

What's happening in Victoria

2006 Victorian Census Update
The Census of Population and Housing is just around the corner, and ABS has been busy recruiting Census field staff and consulting with Victorian communities to ensure the 8 August event is a resounding success. In Victoria, ABS has recruited 7,000 staff to join the 30,000-strong national team delivering and collecting Census forms to every household on Census Night. ABS has also been working closely with Government agencies and community organisations around Victoria to ensure everyone is fully informed about the five-yearly event.

On 12 April, Melbourne Lord Mayor, John So helped launch the Victorian Census Collector recruitment campaign from the 84th floor of Melbourne's tallest building, Eureka Tower. The location was chosen to highlight the remarkable change in Melbourne's skyline since the 2001 Census. Melbourne has undergone a population transformation, with an influx of city living resulting in massive CBD growth. Our inner-city collectors will help to build a detailed view of these new developments; who these people are, where they have come from and their service and infrastructure needs. The view from the 84th floor also provided an opportunity to illustrate the massive job our collectors have in ensuring that every home across Victoria participates in the 8 August Census.

 photo: John So (Melbourne Lord Mayor) and Andrew Henderson (ABS-Victoria Census Director) at the Victorian Census Collector recruitment campaign launch on Eureka Tower's 84th floor.
John So (Melbourne Lord Mayor) and Andrew Henderson (ABS-Victoria Census Director) at the Victorian Census Collector recruitment campaign launch on Eureka Tower's 84th floor.

In Victoria, we have a large population participating in the Census, who unlike most residents, do not have a Census form delivered to their front door. Difficulties counting the homeless is a challenge which ABS is determined to tackle head on. On 22 May, ABS with support of the Council to Homeless Persons, hosted a Counting the Homeless Forum at Melbourne Town Hall. The forum facilitated feedback on the Victorian Census Unit's Homeless Enumeration Strategy, and liaison with key homeless networks and service providers. Guest speakers, Deb Tsorbaris (Executive Officer, Council to Homeless Persons), Associate Professor Chris Chamberlain (Director, Centre for Applied Social Research, RMIT) and Mark Dall (Director, Housing development, Department of Human Services) provided valuable insights into the importance of an accurate count, analysing output and use of data.

ABS is also continuing to work closely with Victoria's multicultural and multi-faith community following on from its major consultation event in February. Most recently, Census Director Andrew Henderson was invited to speak at the Islamic Council of Victoria (ICV) annual community dinner. Other speakers at the 29 May event included Hon. John Pandazopoulos (Minister Assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs) and Hass Dellal (Exec Dir, Australian Multicultural Foundation). ABS also sponsored the ICV Grassroots Youth Muslim Festival, a vibrant youth event celebrating Victoria's young Muslim community.

The main event is now only weeks away, and Census collectors will start delivering Census Forms to homes in the two weeks leading up to Tuesday 8 August. There are 61 questions on this year's Census household form. For the first time, the form will include questions on the contribution of carers and volunteers within Australian society. In another first, Australians can choose to complete their Census form online with the eCensus option. More Census information is available at www.abs.gov.au/census. Make sure you are counted by completing a Census form on 8 August.
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ABS Retail and Wholesale Economic Activity Survey 2005-06

ABS is conducting a survey of retail and wholesale businesses in respect of the 2005-06 financial year. Survey questionnaires will be despatched to a sample of approximately 16,000 businesses across Australia during August 2006. The survey will provide a detailed snapshot of retail and wholesale industries. This information will be used by government policy makers, particularly Commonwealth and State governments, to assess the effectiveness of their policies and programs, as well as by private sector analysts.

Data available from the survey will include:
  • business counts, employment, income and expenses;
  • commodity sales and gross margins; and
  • selected performance indicators, e.g. operating profit before tax, and industry value added.

Data will be released in the publications Retail Industry, Australia, 2005-06 (cat. no. 8622.0), Wholesale Industry, Australia, 2005-06 (cat. no. 8638.0), and several associated spreadsheets. These products will be available for free download from the ABS web site in mid-2007. More detailed data may be available on a customised basis on request.

Further information on the survey can be sought from William Milne on Melbourne (03) 9615 7862 or email <william.milne@abs.gov.au>. Or go to the ABS web site www.abs.gov.au (Survey Participant Information - Retail and Wholesale Economic Activity Survey 2005-06).

Victorian Statistics Advisory Forum Meeting of 6 June 2006

The Victorian Statistics Advisory Forum (VSAF) held its second meeting for the year on 6 June, welcoming new member Jane Brockington from Dept of Premier and Cabinet (DPC). Vin Martin, chair of VSAF and Victorian Government representative on the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC), reported back on the ASAC meeting of 30 May. The meeting included an exposition of the ABS forward work plan 2006/07 to 2008/09; with the priorities of environmental statistics, a re-focus on economic statistics and a review of public finance statistic definitions.

Vince Lazzaro (Regional Director, ABS Victorian Office) reported that the May ABS Management Meeting had identified the following range of statistics would have greater time and effort invested: superannuation, childcare, mental health, drought and climate, Indigenous, social capital/well-being, red tape, multi-modal data capture, personal safety and crime, and regional. He also reported that a Population and Well-being Statistics Data Gaps Workshop was to be held that week; involving ABS, Treasury and Department of Families, Communities and Indigenous Affairs. In addition, a National Community Indicators Workshop will be held in Melbourne 5-6 September. Mr Lazzaro commented that the Census was proceeding well, noting the valuable assistance provided by DPC and Dept of Human Services (DHS) in communicating with various groups (e.g. the homeless, Indigenous communities, and Islamic Groups).

Dr Colin McLachlan and Dr Benjamin Mante from the Indigenous Issues Unit (Dept of Justice) gave an informative presentation titled 'Indigenous Justice - Statistical Challenges'. The project examined different pathways Koori people took through the criminal justice system from the time of police contact to conviction, with the aim of developing a systematic data set to enable evidence-based decision making. Data was examined by education status, employment status, age group and prison.

The second presentation was by Dr Duncan Ironmonger (University of Melbourne) on 'A System of Time Accounts for Melbourne', a project commissioned by Dept of Infrastructure. The project aimed to give a better perspective on time use, particularly on travel time for both adults and children. Key project recommendations were the inclusion of time use questions from existing survey vehicles, and collection of students' school addresses, in the 2011 Census of Population and Housing. The final meeting for 2006 will be held in November.

Measures of Australia's Progress

Measures of Australia’s Progress 2006 (cat. no. 1370.0, released 24/5/2006) brings together a range of statistics related to Australia’s economy, society and environment over recent decades. It is intended to help Australians address the question 'has life in our country got better?', and allows users to form their own views on national progress through a comprehensive suite of indicators. The measures of progress cross four main categories: individuals, economy and economic resources, environment, and living together.

Measures such as health, education, work and leisure are covered in the section on individuals. The chapter details how life expectancy in Australia continues to increase, with males born in 2004 now expected to live to over 78, three years longer than males born in 1994. Females born in 2004 can expect to live to 83, two years longer than females born in 1994. On an international scale, Australia ranked fifth in the world for total life expectancy in 2003. However, life expectancy for Indigenous Australians is estimated to be around 17 years below that for all Australians.

Unemployment in Australia has declined over the past decade, with the annual average unemployment rate falling from 8.2% in 1995 to 5.1% by 2005. However, there has been strong growth in casual employment, with the proportion of males in the workforce in casual employment increasing from 13% in 1990 to 25% in 2004. The proportion of females in the workforce in casual employment increased from 28% to 31%.

While the report includes a variety of measures, economic indicators feature prominently. Between June 1995 and June 2005, real net national disposable income per capita increased by an average 3.0% per year, reaching around $35,000 in 2005. Over the same period, real gross state income per capita in Victoria increased by an average annual rate of 3.2%, equal third among the states and above the national average (3.0%). Annual average growth in Gross Domestic Product in Australia was 3.7% during the period 1994 to 2004, seventh highest of all OECD countries.

Household income data is divided into three income groups to represent the distribution of wealth across Australian households. Between 1994-95 and 2003-04, equivalised disposable household income increased by 22.0% for low income households to an average $300 per week, 21.8% for middle income households to $492, and 19.3% for high income households to $1,027.

Measures of Australia's Progress includes a number of environmental indicators. In 2002, 15% of land in Victoria was in conservation reserves, the fourth highest proportion among the states. In 2003, 22,000 ha of land were cleared in Victoria, compared with 75,000 ha in NSW and 145,000 ha in Queensland. In total, Victoria is estimated to have cleared around 60% of its land compared with 30% in NSW and 18% in Queensland.

Among measures related to ‘Living together', general crime data is also presented at state level. In 2005, Victoria had the lowest total personal crime victimisation rate and second lowest household crime victimisation rate of all states. The chapter also presents national information on family type, social participation, transport and communication.

The first edition of Measures of Australia's Progress was published in 2002, and it has since evolved in response to user needs. It is expected to be produced annually in future. See also Measures of Australia's Progress: Summary Indicators, 2006 (cat. no. 1383.0.55.001, released 31/5/06).
ABS Forward Work Program, 2006-07 to 2008-09

Each year, the ABS work program is established in response to current and emerging statistical priorities of users and in the broader context of ABS's mission and overall strategic direction. The strategic directions therefore present the broad objectives that ABS has chosen to pursue, and which shape its priorities and work program for the period.

ABS releases comprise monthly, quarterly, annual and irregular products. In 2004–05 there were over 800 statistical releases. The ABS’ principal means of releasing statistical information is through the ABS web site. In 2004–05 the ABS produced 340 publication titles (including electronic only publications) comprising 837 separate releases (several titles are released more than once during a year). Information about the full range of ABS publications is available in the Catalogue of Publications and Products (cat. no. 1101.0).

Key drivers of the current ABS forward work program include:
  • increasing complexity of the Australian economy and society, meaning that production of existing statistics is often commensurately more complex,
  • increasing plurality of statistical data providers driving a need to ensure that the overall national statistical system (NSS) is coordinated and that the ABS role in this system is clearly defined,
  • increasing demands for access to microdata, data relating to particular population groups, longitudinal data and (in the future) linked data within a climate of concerns about individual privacy,
  • a federal government agenda that is emphasising greater information sharing ('create-once, use-many') and coordinated policy and program delivery initiatives across departments,
  • pressures to improve productivity and create a staff profile more appropriate to ABS's future skill needs.

Specific thematic collections within the scope of Economic and Population Statistics Groups are discussed in terms of their objectives, outputs and new developments. Program managers are listed, along with dollar and staff resource costings for each project. For more information, refer to ABS Forward Work Program, 2006-07 to 2008-09 (cat. no. 1006.0, released 30/5/2006).

2006 Environmental Household Survey and User Review

Household waste management and transport use are two main themes anticipated to surface from the Environmental supplementary survey component of the March 2006 monthly Labour Force Survey. Output is due for release in Nov 2006 in cat. no. 4602.0.

ABS's Centre of Environment and Energy Statistics (CEES) is reviewing the Environmental Household Survey program, aiming to ensure the survey's future structure will collect data relevant to users. Current surveys are built around topics including environmental concerns, household water use, energy use and conservation, household waste management, and transport use; rotating over a three-year period. All stakeholders and users of environmental statistics are invited to participate in the review.

If you wish to provide input in terms of new topics and data items, survey cycles, spatial output, or other content contact Kate Maguire on Canberra (02) 6252 7735 or email <kate.maguire@abs.gov.au> by 21 August 2006.

Water use snapshot

ABS is part of the Water Resources Observation Network Alliance, helping on a project called "Australian Water Resources 2005". The project aims to provide a snapshot of Australia’s water resources at commencement of the National Water Initiative reform process, from which future evaluations can be made. The project covers: water quality, water availability and water use. ABS is leading the water use parameter, looking at: how much water is under entitlements/licences, how much is allocated, how much is used, what types of water are used, and for what purposes. ABS will also estimate water use at the Surface Water Management Area level. The ABS 2004-05 Water Account, Australia publication will be released in November 2006. The Water Use headline parameter will be included in Australian Water Resources 2005, due in December 2006.

For further information contact Mette Creaser on Canberra (02) 6252 6161 or email <mette.creaser@abs.gov.au>.

New Confidentialised Unit Record File pricing effective 1 July 2006
ABS has reviewed the price of Confidentialised Unit Record Files (CURFs), with the outcome that the price of CURFs fell on 1 July 2006. CURFs are microdata files from a range of ABS household and labour surveys, for which over 70 files are currently available. After confidentialisation, CURFs are released to authorised clients for the purpose of statistical analysis and policy research. CURFs are the most detailed data product available from ABS, and are used widely by researchers and academics.

Access to a Basic CURF is available via CD-ROM or the Remote Access Data Laboratory (RADL). Access to an Expanded CURF is available via the RADL only. The RADL is accessible for authorised users via the ABS web site, and enables ABS to make more detailed microdata available than on CD-ROM, while still maintaining the confidentiality of ABS data providers.

The new prices are $1320 (including GST) per CURF access mode (e.g. $1320 to access the basic CURF via CD-ROM and/or RADL, or $1320 to access the expanded CURF (if available) via RADL). A bundled price of $1980 (including GST) is available where clients request access to both the basic (whether on CD-ROM or RADL) and expanded CURFs in one single application.

The ABS/Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (AVCC) CURF Agreement that enables access, via an annual subscription, to CURFs for teaching and research purposes by approved university staff and students will continue with no impact on individual university applicants. To keep up to date on new CURFs expected to be released, see the 'List of CURFs Expected to be Released' on the ABS web site that is updated regularly.


For queries regarding access to CURFs or information about RADL please contact Carolyn Kennedy in the CURF Management Unit, on Canberra (02) 6252 5853 or email curf.management@abs.gov.au.

Victorian Community Indicators Project

A feature article on the Victorian Community Indicators Project is included in the March Quarter 2006 edition of 'State and Regional Indicators, Victoria' (cat. no. 1367.2). In recent years there has been an increasing demand from government, organisations and the community for better developed measures of society's health and well-being. Conclusions about the quality of life in Australia cannot be made by relying only on general economic measures such as Gross Domestic Product.

The Victorian Community Indicators Project (VCIP) is a recent approach to measuring well-being in Victoria. The project aims to develop community indicators and support local government councils in their use. The selected indicators are tools for measuring health, well-being and sustainability; hence aiding policy-making, community planning and citizen engagement.

Indicators have been developed within five broad domains of well-being:
  • Healthy, safe and inclusive communities;
  • Dynamic and resilient economies;
  • Communities that enhance and preserve their built and natural environments;
  • Culturally rich and vibrant communities; and
  • Democratic and active citizenship.

The early childhood section on health includes the indicator 'Percentage of eligible infant immunisations completed', which draws data from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR). Data is reported at LGA level. In December 2005, five LGAs in Victoria achieved 100% immunisation rate amongst children aged 15 months and below: the Shires of Hindmarsh, Pyrenees, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and the Borough of Queenscliffe. In contrast, the immunisation rate was below 90% in 13 LGAs.

The 'Democratic and active citizenship' domain focuses on the need for communities to shape their own future by engaging their citizens in decision making processes. Two of this domain's indicators are: 'Percentage of people who think they have an opportunity to have a real say on issues important to them' and 'Voting in council elections'. In the 2004-05 elections, the top five councils by voting rate were non-metropolitan councils. Southern Grampians recorded the highest voter participation rate in Victoria (87.3%), while Port Phillip had the lowest (45.3%).

The question 'Do you feel there are opportunities to have a real say on issues that are important to you?' is used in the Victorian Population Health Survey conducted by Victorian Department of Human Services. The Victorian Framework for Indicators of Regional Wellbeing describes how the question is used to measure the level of perceived opportunity to 'have a say' rather than the number (or percentage) of people actually consulted. The metropolitan LGA with the highest percentage of people believing they had opportunities to have a say on important issues was Monash (61.5%). However 30 of the 48 LGAs in regional Victoria had higher percentages.

Selected recent releases

1338.1 NSW In Focus. Released 28/6/2006.

NSW in Focus is a contemporary record of activity within NSW, providing a wide range of statistics from both ABS and non-ABS sources. It contains ten chapters, each representing areas of social or economic importance: population, family and community, health, education and training, crime and justice, housing, household economic resources, economic activity, transport and environment.

Contact Allan McLean on Sydney (02) 9268 4795 or email <allan.mclean@abs.gov.au>.

3101.0 - Australian Demographic Statistics, Dec 2005. Released 02/06/2006.

During year ended 31 December 2005, the Australian population grew 1.2%. Natural increase and net overseas migration contributed 54% and 46%, respectively, to this total population growth. Queensland recorded the largest proportional gain (1.9% or 74,800 persons) and South Australia the lowest (0.6% or 9,900 persons). Victoria gained 59,700 persons (1.2%) compared with 53,700 persons (0.8%) for NSW.

In 2005, the number of Australian births (261,400) was 2.4% higher than in 2004, and the highest number recorded annually since 1992 (262,100). Deaths decreased by 1.8% over the same period, to remove 130,600 people from the population. Net overseas migration was the major component of population growth in South Australia (7,800 persons), Victoria (32,100 persons) and Western Australia (17,800 persons). Negative net interstate migration was experienced by New South Wales (-25,400 persons), South Australia (-3,600 persons) and Victoria (-2,900 persons).

Contact Cassandra Eaves on Canberra (02) 6252 5640 or email <cassandra.eaves@abs.gov.au>.

3105.0.65.001 Australian Historical Population Statistics, 2006. Released 23/5/2006.

This publication contains a wide range of demographic data in spreadsheet format, going back, where possible, to the beginning of European settlement (1788) of Australia. Statistics include: population size and growth, population distribution, population age-sex structure, births, deaths, migration, marriages and divorces. It contains state level data.

Contact Alex Wahlin on Canberra (02) 6252 6762 or email <alex.wahlin@abs.gov.au>.

3235.2.55.001 - Population by Age and Sex, Victoria, Electronic delivery, June 2005. Released 30/06/2006.

At June 2005, the estimated resident population of Victoria was 5,022,000, an annual increase of 59,700 people to give a 1.2% annual growth rate. There were an estimated 3.63 million usual residents in the Melbourne Statistical Division (SD), representing an annual increase of 41,300 people. Melbourne SD was home to nearly three-quarters (72.3%) of Victoria's population. The fastest growth rate was experienced in the Statistical Division of Goulburn (1.7%).

The median age of Victorian males was 35.9 years, and for females 37.6 years. Melbourne SD recorded the lowest median age (36.0 years), while in regional Victoria it was 39.1 years. The highest median ages were in the SDs of East Gippsland (42.3 years), Wimmera (41.4 years) and Gippsland (39.9 years). At LGA level, these rated as senior: Queenscliffe (median 51.1 years), Strathbogie (47.0 years), Loddon (45.6 years), Buloke (45.4 years) and Bass Coast (45.2 years). Younger LGAs included: Melbourne (median 27.8 years), Melton (30.8 years), Wyndham (32.2 years), Casey (32.7 years) and Hume (32.8 years).


Contact Andrew Howe on Adelaide (08) 8237 7370 or email <andrew.howe@abs.gov.au>.

3412.0 Migration, Australia, 2004-05. Released 29/3/2006.

This publication brings together statistics on international migration into and out of Australia, interstate migration within Australia and information on overseas-born residents of Australia. Australia's migration is described in the context of the Government's migration program and in comparison with international migration experienced by other countries.

Contact Jason Rumley on Canberra (02) 6252 5406 or email <j.rumley@abs.gov.au>.

4307.0.55.001 - Apparent Consumption of Alcohol, Australia, 2004-05. Released 23/06/2006.

The total quantity of pure alcohol available for Australian consumption increased 1.7% annually to 159.6 million litres in 2004-05. Apparent per person consumption of pure alcohol by persons aged 15 years and over increased 0.2% to 9.83 litres. The quantity of beer available for consumption decreased 0.7% to 1,748.2 million litres, while wine rose 3.7% to 455.9 million litres. Apparent per person consumption of wine by persons aged 15 years and over increased 2.2% to 28.1 litres. The quantity of alcohol as spirits consumed by persons 15 years and over increased 2.9%, driven largely by an increase in ready to drink spirit products.

Contact Kathryn Fry on Canberra (02) 6252 5634 or email <kathryn.fry@abs.gov.au>.

4402.0 Child Care, Australia, June 2005. Released 19/6/2006 (reissue).

This publication discusses the use of, and demand for, child care for children 0-12 years. Information is presented on use of the Child Care Benefit, and working arrangements of parents. In June 2005, 1,553,400 Australian children aged 0-12 years received some type of child care in the reference week, 46% of this age group. The use of formal care for very young children was low (7% of children under one year), but increased from age one (31%) up to age three (53%). From age four, when children start preschool, child care use dropped to 38%; with a further decrease for five year olds (22%), when most have started school. Some 17% of 6-8 year olds attended formal care. For nearly 65% of children, 'work-related' was the main reason for using formal child care.

Use of informal care was highest for one year olds (43%), and then generally decreased with age. Overall, 38% of 0-4 year olds used informal care, compared to 29% of 5-12 year olds. One parent families (56%) used child care more than couple families (44%). Of the 257,100 children attending preschool in the 2005 reference week: 14% attended for one day, 37% for two days, and 33% for three days.

graph: Proportion of children using childcare by age.
Contact Gavin Lee on Canberra (02) 6252 5529 or email <gavin.lee@abs.gov.au>.

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4509.0 Crime and Safety, Australia, April 2005. Released 26/4/2006.

This survey reports on selected household and personal crimes experienced during the 12 months prior to survey. In Victoria, the proportion of households that experienced either a break-in, attempted break-in or motor vehicle theft in the 12 months prior to April 2005 has fallen to 5%, down from 7% in 2002. An estimated 45,400 households were victims of at least one break-in during the year, and 13,800 households had at least one vehicle stolen. Victoria and Tasmania shared the lowest household crime victimisation, with 5% of households experiencing at least one break-in, attempted break-in or motor vehicle theft compared to 6% nationally. An estimated 5% of people in Victoria were victims of personal crime. Almost half a million (459,100) incidents of assault were experienced by 162,700 victims in Victoria.

Nationally, the most common location for assault was the home (31% of assault victims), followed by place of work or study (26%). An estimated 63% of victims knew one or more of the offenders. An estimated 69% of Victorians perceived problems from crime and/or public nuisance in their neighbourhood. Their main perceived problems were housebreaking/burglaries/theft from homes (34%), dangerous/noisy driving (38%) and vandalism/graffiti/damage to property (26%).

graph: Victorian crime victimisation rates: break-in, attempted break-in, motor vehicle theft, robbery and assault; for 1998, 2002 & 2005.
Contact Marika Woodberry on Melbourne (03) 9615 7601 or email <crime.justice@abs.gov.au>.

4510.0 Recorded Crime - Victims, Australia, 2005. Released 25/5/2006.

Statistics relating to victims of a selected range of offences recorded by police during 2005. National, state and territory data are provided for 1996 to 2005. National data for 2005 are also presented by victim sex and age group, location, weapon use and outcome of investigation. Recorded victims declined in most offence categories in 2005. Victims of homicide and related offences decreased by 10%, while victims of motor vehicle theft and unlawful entry with intent both decreased by 8%. Other theft and kidnapping both decreased by 5%. Increases were recorded for blackmail/extortion (6%) and robbery (2%).

In 2005, more males than females were victims of robbery (71% of victims were male), attempted murder (68%), blackmail/extortion (64%), murder (62%) and driving causing death (46%). The reverse was the case for kidnapping/abduction (64% of victims were female). The most common offences for which a weapon was used were attempted murder (72%) and murder (59%).

Contact Nick Skondreas on Melbourne (03) 9615 7375 or email <crime.justice@abs.gov.au>.

4704.0.55.002 - The Health and Welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: Summary Booklet, 2005. Released 28/04/2006.

ABS and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare have prepared this report jointly. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population was projected to have grown to 492,700 by mid-2005. The Indigenous population was relatively young, with a median age of 21 years, compared with 36 years for non-Indigenous. In 2001, 30% of Indigenous people lived in major cities, 43% in regional areas and 27% in remote areas.

Between 1994 and 2002, the proportion of Indigenous people aged 25-64 years with a non-school qualification rose from 20% to 32%, the proportion aged 18–64 years in mainstream employment rose from 31% to 38%, their unemployment rate fell from 24% to 13%, and the proportion of Indigenous owner/purchaser households increased from 26% to 30%.

Contact the National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statistics on Canberra on 1800 633 216 or email <ncatsis@abs.gov.au>.

4715.0 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2004-05. Released 11/4/2006.

This survey was conducted in remote and non-remote areas throughout Australia to collect information from Indigenous Australians about: health status, risk factors and actions, and socioeconomic circumstances. The Indigenous population is relatively young, with a median age of 21 years compared to 36 years for the non-Indigenous population.

In 2004-05, 78% of Indigenous people 15 years and over considered their health to be 'good to excellent', while 22% reported 'fair or poor' (nearly double the rate of non-Indigenous Australians). Eye/sight problems were the most commonly reported condition among Indigenous people (30%), followed by asthma (15%), various back problems (13%), heart and circulatory diseases (12%) and ear/hearing problems (12%).

One in ten Indigenous children under 15 years old reported having ear/hearing problems, about three times the rate of non-Indigenous children. High blood pressure was reported by one in five (22%) of those aged 35 years and over. Indigenous people in remote areas (9%) were almost twice as likely to have diabetes (including high sugar levels) as those in non-remote (5%) areas. One in two (50%) Indigenous adults were daily smokers, about twice the rate for non-Indigenous adults. Indigenous and non-Indigenous adults reported similar rates of drinking alcohol at risky or high risk levels. See also: 4715.2.55.005 - National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: Victoria, 2004-05.

Contact Sanna Smith on Canberra on (02) 6252 7362 or email <sanna.smith@abs.gov.au>.

5249.0 Australian National Accounts: Tourism Satellite Account, 2004-05. Released 06/4/2006.

This publication presents key results of the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) for 1997-98 to 2004-05. Work on the TSA has been funded by the Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources (DITR). Tourism accounted for $32.6 billion of total Australian GDP in 2004-05. This was an increase of 1.9% from 2003-04. In contrast, total GDP grew by 6.4% in current prices. Domestic visitors generated 76% of tourism industry GDP in 2004-05, while international visitors generated 24%. In 2004-05, industries which accounted for the largest share of tourism gross value added were air and water transport (13.7%); accommodation (11.8%); cafes, restaurants and takeaway food outlets (10%); and other retail trade (8.8%). The tourism industry employed 550,100 persons in 2004-05.

Contact Jai Kookana on Canberra (02) 6252 5183 or email <jai.kookana@abs.gov.au>.

5506.0 Taxation Revenue, Australia, 2004-05. Released 29/3/2006.

This publication details taxation revenue by all levels of government in Australia for 1999-2000 to 2004-05. The taxation revenue statistics presented are for the general government sector and include taxes received from public corporations (i.e. government owned/controlled corporations).

Contact Jonathan Sim on Canberra (02) 6252 5735 or email <jonathan.sim@abs.gov.au>.

5512.0 Government Finance Statistics, Australia, 2004-05. Released 29/3/2006.

This publication presents government finance statistics (GFS) on an accrual accounting basis for each jurisdiction for general government, non-financial public sector and total public sector, including: operating statements for 2004-05; cash flow statements for 2004-05; and balance sheets at 30 June 2005. This publication contains Victoria level data. Users interested in quarterly GFS data for the current financial year should consult Government Finance Statistics, Australia, Quarterly (cat. no. 5519.0.55.001).

Contact Jonathan Sim on Canberra (02) 6252 5735 or email <jonathan.sim@abs.gov.au>.
5518.0.55.001 Government Finance Statistics, Education, Australia, Electronic Delivery, 2004-05. Released 29/3/2006.

This product details education expenditure by the general government sector for 1998-99 to 2004-05. Government expenditure on education refers to all levels of education, such as pre-school, primary, secondary, university, and technical and further education (TAFE), by the general government sector. It excludes expenditure on courses provided by non-educational institutions, such as the vocational training programs of private businesses.

Contact Jonathan Sim on Canberra (02) 6252 5735 or email <jonathan.sim@abs.gov.au>.

6554.0 Household Wealth and Wealth Distribution, Australia, 2003-04. Released 27/4/2006.

This publication estimates household net worth, or wealth; including summary measures of the distribution of household net worth in Australia. Households are described by: net worth quintile, income quintile, principal source of household income, family composition, tenure type and geographic location. For each category of household, estimates of the various assets and liabilities comprising net worth are provided along with estimates of household income, household size and other characteristics.

Contact Rajni Madan on Canberra (02) 6252 7457 or email <rajni.madan@abs.gov>.

8687.0 Clubs, Pubs, Taverns and Bars, 2004-05. Released 4/07/2006.

This publication presents measures of the performance, structure and activity of pub, tavern and bar businesses and hospitality clubs operating in Australia. The publication also presents data dissected by businesses/organisations with and without gambling facilities.

During 2004-05, Victoria's pubs, taverns and bars and hospitality clubs generated over $2.5 billion in income. Pubs, taverns and bars accounted for $2 billion of this. Gambling contributed 21% ($0.4 billion) to total income. The survey also found 19,811 people employed in Victorian pubs, taverns and bars; just under one-quarter (24%) of the national total. Victorian hospitality clubs generated $0.2 billion in gambling income; and employed 6,529 people at end-June 2005, just over 10% of the national total for hospitality clubs.

Contact Sophie Vassiliou on Melbourne (03) 9615 7442 or email <sophia.vassiliou@abs.gov.au>.
Information papers, research papers and classifications

1351.0.55.012 Research Paper: Review of Methodology for Estimating Taxes on Production in the Calculation of Household Final Income, April 2006. Released 13/4/2006.

Recent estimates of government benefits and taxes on distribution of income among private households in Australia (also called the Fiscal Incidence Study or FIS) accounted for only 42% of total taxes on production, as measured in the Australian National Accounts. Aiming to significantly improve coverage of these taxes in the FIS, this paper investigated use of a more complete input-output (IO) approach to estimating taxes on production to Australian households. The result was a significant improvement in coverage of total taxes on production allocated to households. The approach accounted for most taxes on production that were not captured in previous FIS production tax methodology. The results also demonstrated their viability and applicability to ABS IO data. The approach will be used in estimation of taxes on production for 2003-04 FIS.

Contact Franklin Soriano on Canberra (02) 6252 5933 or email <franklin.soriano@abs.gov.au>.
1352.0.55.065 Research Paper: Methodology for Producing Synthetic Microdata for Income in Non-survey Years (Methodology Advisory Committee), Nov 2004. Released 23/3/2006

This paper describes a static ageing technique for producing forecasts of income micro-data for non-survey years.The methodology produced reasonably good estimates at aggregated levels of income. However, it was less suitable for producing estimates of income at unit record level, as required for research purposes. Synthetic income data was unlikely to capture the impact of policy changes on income distribution as accurately or adequately as would be the case if an actual survey was carried out. Consequently ABS decided not to take the research forward into production.

Contact Anil Kumar on Canberra (02) 6252 5344 or email <anil.kumar@abs.gov.au>

1352.0.55.075 Research Paper: Imputation in Longitudinal Surveys: The Case of HILDA (Methodology Advisory Committee), Nov 2005. Released 23/3/2006.

This paper outlines methodological issues relating to imputation for longitudinal household surveys. A brief review of imputation methods adopted by major longitudinal surveys is reported. This paper's main objective is to develop an appropriate imputation methodology for use in longitudinal surveys, by evaluating alternative imputation methods and to adopt the best method in the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. This paper describes a methodological evaluation framework for assessing a good imputation method and presents a quantitative comparison of the performance of alternative imputation methods, using HILDA data.

Contact Paul Sutcliffe on Canberra (02) 6252 6759 or email <paul.sutcliffe@abs.gov.au>
1364.0.15.003 Modellers' Database, Dec 2005. Released 19/4/2006.

The Modellers' Database consists of about 500 quarterly times series constructed from the National Income Forecasting (NIF) and Treasury Macro-economic (TRYM) econometric models. They are useful to economists, econometricians, financial analysts and students. The database covers national accounts, banking, investment, price indexes, interest rates, world data, population and labour statistics, wage and tax rates. Some of the time series are published elsewhere by ABS while others are specifically constructed for the TRYM and NIF models. For most series the data span is between 30 and 45 years.

Contact Valentin Valdez on Canberra (02) 6252 7037 or email <valentin.valdez@abs.gov.au>.

4363.0.55.001 National Health Survey: Users' Guide - Electronic Publication, 2004-05. Released 31/3/2006.

Contains information about the 2004-05 National Health Survey, including: survey objectives, methods and design; survey content; data quality and interpretation; and information about results and comparability with previous surveys.

Contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.
5368.0 International Trade in Goods and Services, Australia, Feb 2006. Released 7/4/2006.

This publication contains a feature article on the 'New methodology for compiling counts of the number of exporters' . The article mentions 'main state of the exporter by state of location of the exporter'. The article can be accessed on the ABS web site from the summary page of cat. no. 5368.0 Feb 2006, by clicking on blue text (with title of article) in box on top left of page. Alternatively, in the ABS web site home page <www.abs.gov.au>, find 'Key Products' (left of page); select Papers & Articles; ABS Articles; Feature Articles by Catalogue Number. A large number of feature articles are listed.

Contact Tom Jebbink on Canberra (02) 6252 5540 or email <tom.jebbink@abs.gov.au>.

Other selected releases

1292.0.30.001 Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006 - Coder, 2006. Released 29/3/2006

1351.0.55.013 Research Paper: Analysis of the Regional Distribution of Relatively Disadvantaged Areas Using 2001 SEIFA, June 2006. Released 15/6/2006

2062.0 Census Data Enhancement Project: an Update, June 2006. Released 8/6/2006

2901.0 Census Dictionary. Released 26/5/2006

3222.0 Population Projections, Australia, 2004 to 2101 (Reissue). Released 14/6/2006

4156.0 Sport and Recreation: A Statistical Overview, Australia, 2006. Edition 1. Released 19/6/2006

4307.0.55.001 Apparent Consumption of Alcohol, Australia. Released 23/6/2006

4324.0 Information Paper: National Health Survey, 2004-05. Released 29/5/2006

4512.0 Corrective Services, Australia, March 2005. Released 22/6/2006

4704.0.55.001 Recent Developments in the Collection of Aboriginal and torres Strait Islander Health and Welfare Statistics, 2005. Released 26/6/2006

5368.0.55.005 Discussion Paper: ABS Implementation in January 2007 of Revisions to International Trade Classifications, 2007. Released 9/6/2006

6102.0.55.001 Labour Statistics: Concepts, Sources and Methods, 2006. Released 12/4/2006

6278.0 Education and Training Experience, Australia, 2005. Released 29/5/2006

6503.0 Household Expenditure Survey and Survey of Income and Housing: User Guide, 2003-04. Released 9/6/2006

8415.0 Mining Operations, Australia, 2003-04. Released 22/6/2006

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, labour force, consumer price index and retail trade.

Free ABS publications online. From 1 July 2005, all ABS electronic publications (both PDF and HTML based content) published from 1998 onwards, along with electronic "publication tables" in spreadsheet or data-cube format, have been available free from the ABS website <www.abs.gov.au>. Printed copies still carry a price, but most products are available electronically.

ABS statistical training

Each ABS office offers practical, informative and relevant training to help you develop your statistical skills. This training is primarily targeted to public sector bodies.

What courses are available at ABS Victoria in 2006?
  • Basic Statistical Analysis
  • Turning Data Into Information
  • Making Quality Informed Decisions
  • Basic Survey Design

Turning Data Into Information (TDII)
This course develops skills in interpreting, displaying and communicating data clearly and effectively. Analytical thinking skills are developed to enable the transformation of data into meaningful written information.

Course Length: 2 Days
Course Fee: $550.00
Course Date: 2 & 3 August

Making Quality Informed Decisions (MQID)
This course introduces the concept of 'wholistic quality' through the use of data quality framework for a statistical collection. The framework ensures that users of statistics are able to assess whether the statistics are fit for their intended use. This course aims to provide a framework to evaluate the quality of available data sources and use this knowledge in the decision-making process.

Course Length: 1 Day
Course Fee: $325.00
Course Date: 18 October

Basic Survey Design (BSD)
This course aims to provide a broad overview of all facets of survey development. Topics include developing survey objectives, advantages and disadvantages of various collection methodologies, questionnaire design, data processing, reporting of results and management of the design process.

Course Length: 2 Days
Course Fee: $550.00
Course Date:28 & 29 November

Basic Survey Analysis (BSA)
This computer based course develops practical skills in summarising and displaying survey data in graphical and tabular form. It provides the tools for finding simple relationships in survey data and testing for statistically significant differences in past and current survey results.

Course Length: 2 Days
Course Fee: $550.00
Course Date: 5 & 6 September

For further information regarding statistical training, nominations and bookings or to discuss your specific training needs, please contact Maxine McDermott on (03) 9615 7080 or email <vic.coordination@abs.gov.au>

POINTS OF CONTACT

Victorian Statistics Advisory Forum (VSAF)

VSAF is a major forum for statistical liaison between Victorian Government Agencies and ABS. The following group of departmental representatives meet 3 times each year.

Departmental Representatives

VSAF Chair
Vin Martin
email <Vin.Martin@dtf.vic.gov.au>

Department of Treasury and Finance
Peter Fuhrmann
email <peter.fuhrmann@dtf.vic.gov.au>

Department of Premier and Cabinet
Jane Brockington
email <jane.brockington@dpc.vic.gov.au>

Office of the Chief Information Officer
Jane Treadwell
email <jane.treadwell@dpc.vic.gov.au>

Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
Chris West
email <chris.west@iird.vic.gov.au>

Department of Education and Training
Ian Burrage
email <burrage.ian.n@edumail.vic.gov.au>

Department of Human Services
Dr Robert Brazenor
email <robert.brazenor@dhs.vic.gov.au>

Department of Justice
Dr Roslyn Kelleher
email <roslyn.kelleher@justice.vic.gov.au>

Department of Infrastructure
Philip Norman
email <philip.norman@doi.vic.gov.au>

Department for Victorian Communities
Dr David Adams
email <david.adams@dvc.vic.gov.au>

Information Victoria
Joanne Duffy
email <Joanne.Duffy@dvc.vic.gov.au>

Department of Sustainability and Environment
John Hanna
email <john.hanna@dse.vic.gov.au>

Department of Primary Industries
Bill Fisher
email <bill.fisher@dpi.vic.gov.au>

ABS Victoria
Vince Lazzaro
email <melissa.munce@abs.gov.au>

Contact points for ABS in Victoria

Dial-a-Statistic
1900 986 400 ($0.77 per minute)

National Information and Referral Service
1300 135 070
email <client.services@abs.gov.au>

Postal address
GPO Box 2796Y
Melbourne Vic 3001

ABS website
<www.abs.gov.au>

Regional Director
ABS Victoria
Vince Lazzaro
(03) 9615 7345
email <melissa.munce@abs.gov.au>

Statistical Coordination Branch
Director
Joseph Salvatore
(03) 9615 7924
email <joseph.salvatore@abs.gov.au>

Assistant Director
Antonella Caruso
(03) 9615 7860
email <antonella.caruso@abs.gov.au>

Assistant Director (a/g)
Christine Sergi
(03) 9615 7695
email <c.sergi@abs.gov.au>

Statistics Victoria Editor
Alan Page
(03) 9615 7899
email <alan.page@abs.gov.au>

Spread the news electronically

Copies of Statistics Victoria are available free for electronic dissemination. There are two ways to access an electronic copy of the newsletter:

1. Elect to receive your copy of this newsletter in PDF format by contacting Alan Page on (03) 9615 7899 or email <alan.page@abs.gov.au>. The ABS encourages further dissemination of this newsletter through email, or by its placement on your organisation's intranet.

2. Go to the ABS website <www.abs.gov.au>. Select 'News & Media' then 'ABS Newsletters' and then 'Statistics Victoria'. You can access current and previous copies of Statistics Victoria, as well as many other ABS newsletters.