OVERVIEW
This publication contains details about the 2006 Time Use Survey (TUS). It includes information about the survey objectives, the development process, content of the survey and the methods and procedures used in the collection and processing of data. It also includes information about the quality and interpretation of the survey results and about the products and services available.
The 2006 Time Use Survey was conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) to obtain information about the way people allocate time to different kinds of activities. It was conducted over four periods during 2006 in order to balance seasonal influences which affect time use patterns. The first national Time Use Survey was conducted by the ABS in 1992 which followed from a pilot test in Sydney in 1987. The Time Use Survey was conducted again in 1997. Comparison of the national data can be made across time. Time use surveys collect information about all activities people engage in during a specified period. As a result of this, the range of information they provide is very broad.
Information was collected from households using an interview and a diary. The interview was designed to provide characteristics by which the population can be disaggregated into sub-groups in order to examine differences in time use. The diary contained information about the way respondents spent their time over a two day period.
Details of the 2006 Time Use Survey were tabled in Federal Parliament in accordance with section 6(3) of the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975 and the survey was conducted under the authority of the Census and Statistics Act 1905. The ABS sought the willing cooperation of people living in private dwellings. Under its legislation the ABS cannot release identifiable information about households, families or individuals. The confidentiality of all information provided by respondents is guaranteed.
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