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MEASURING AUSTRALIA'S PROGRESS

The third edition of Measures of Australia's Progress (cat. no. 1370.0) was released in May. This publication draws together ABS and other data to paint a picture of national progress. It presents 14 headline dimensions that cover many of the areas of life most important to Australia and Australians. Indicators are presented for these dimensions, allowing readers to make their own judgement about whether life in Australia is getting better.

Indicators and commentary are presented for the fourteen headline dimensions of progress, including: Health; National income; Economic hardship; The natural landscape; and Family, Community and Social Cohesion. In addition, there is commentary on five supplementary dimensions of progress, such as Culture and leisure. Measures of Australia's Progress, 2006 also includes an article on life satisfaction and measures of progress and an article comparing Australia's progress with that in other OECD countries.

The release of Measures of Australia's Progress is accompanied by two additional products. Measures of Australia's Progress: Summary Indicators, 2006 (cat. no. 1383.0.55.001) presents a summary for the 14 headline dimensions of Australia's progress in a way which can be quickly understood by all Australians. Measures of Australia's Progress: At A Glance, 2006 (cat. no. 1383.0.55.002) provides a brief overview of the 14 headline dimensions in a colour brochure.

The OECD has embarked on a global project on 'Measuring the Progress of Societies: the OECD world forum on statistics, knowledge and policy'. Measures of Australia's Progress is one example of bringing together indicators on society, the environment and the economy, and contributes to this global project. The ABS will be taking into consideration developments of this world forum when reviewing Measures of Australia's Progress over the next twelve months.

For more information contact Kirsty Leslie (02) 6252 5259, or the ABS National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070, email client.services@abs.gov.au.