CHARACTERISTICS OF PERSONS WHO PARTICIPATED


AGE AND SEX

The highest participation rates in sport and physical recreation were reported by people aged 15-17 years (79%). Participation rates tended to decrease with age, with persons aged 65 years and over having the lowest participation rate (48%). Overall, men and women had similar participation rates (65% and 63% respectively). Participation rates were similar for almost all of the age groups, with the exception of 15-17 year olds where significantly higher numbers of males took part (86%) compared with females (71%) (Table 1).

AREA OF USUAL RESIDENCE

The participation rates for sport and physical recreation were highest in the Australian Capital Territory (77%) and Northern Territory (72%). For the states, the participation rates ranged from 62% in South Australia to 65% in Western Australia. There was no discernible difference in participation rates between those living in the six state capital cities and those in the rest of Australia (both 64%). Walking for exercise was the most popular activity reported in all states and territories (Tables 1, 2 and 10).

BIRTHPLACE

Persons born in Australia or overseas in a main English-speaking country are more likely to participate in sport and physical recreation than those born in other countries (66% and 56% respectively). The participation rates were similar for males and females born in Australia (67% and 66% respectively) and overseas in main English-speaking countries (67% and 65% respectively). The participation rate for males who were born overseas, not in a main English-speaking country, was significantly higher than that of females (54% and 47% respectively) (Table 1).


EMPLOYMENT STATUS

There was no significant difference between the participation rates for those who were employed (69%) and those who were unemployed (66%). Furthermore, participation rates in sport and physical recreation were similar for those who were employed full-time and part-time (both 69%). Just over half of those aged 15 years and over who were not in the labour force (53%) reported participating in sport and physical recreation in the 12 month period prior to interview (Table 1).


HOUSEHOLD COMPOSITION

The highest participation rate was reported by persons in a couple household with dependent children (68%), followed by couple only households (65%). Households made up of one parent with dependent children reported a participation rate of 60%. People living in lone person households had a participation rate of 58% (Table 1).


EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT

Persons whose highest educational attainment was a graduate diploma or graduate certificate were more likely to have participated in sport and physical recreation in the 12 months prior to interview (84%). The lowest participation rate was reported by persons whose highest educational attainment was year 10 or below (49%). However, the largest percentage of persons who reported year 10 or below as their highest educational attainment were persons aged 65 and over, and this age group reported the lowest participation of all age groups (Table 1).


HOUSEHOLD INCOME

Participation rates generally increased as equivalised household income increased. Persons whose weekly household income was in the highest quintile reported a participation rate of 80%, whereas the participation rate for persons in the lowest quintile was 45% (Table 1).