2902.0 - Census Update (Newsletter), Aug 1998  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 31/08/1998   
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Latest Statistical Profile of Australia's population now available...

The fifth edition of Australian Social Trends provides a comprehensive statistical profile of contemporary Australian society.

This 200 page report monitors changes in the nation's social conditions and social wellbeing over time by drawing on the latest ABS sources of social, labour and demographic data as well as those from external sources.

A set of key social issues is explored through the 30 plus articles, including articles pertaining to particular aspects of population growth and distribution, families, health and education, employment, income distribution and housing.

  • Several articles in this year's edition make use of 1996 Census data, including:
  • Growth and distribution of Indigenous people,
  • Small towns: which ones are in decline,
  • Interstate migration,
  • Rural families, and
  • Smaller households, larger dwellings.
Each edition of Australian Social Trends includes an extra chapter that focuses on an aspect of social concern not normally covered. The 1998 edition reviews people's concerns about, and attitudes to, the environment, and examines how these concerns translate into action regarding transport choices, waste management and energy use.

There are 14 national and state summary tables, providing more than 200 key social indicators. Tables providing international comparisons for 18 countries including major OECD countries, Australia's nearest neighbours and major trading partners are also included.

Other topics covered in the 1998 edition, include -
  • Changes in immigration intake
Migrants may be admitted to Australia under three broad categories: family migration, skilled migration, and humanitarian migration. This topic examines these categories in more detail, shows how the source countries differ in each category and over time, and describes how the balance has changed since the early 1980s.
  • Child care

Using fresh data from the 1996 Child Care Survey, this section examines trends in the use of formal and informal care, gives the main reason for using child care, assesses the costs to government and parents and gives an estimate of the level of unmet demand.
  • Health experiences of men and women
This review examines mortality rates, the prevalence of serious, intermediate and minor conditions, and health-related actions taken by men and women. A measure of how men and women perceive their overall health and well being is also included.
  • Workplace training
The amount of time and expenditure devoted by employers in 1996 to training their staff is examined, and comparisons are made with the levels of training provided in 1993. The type of training given, by employer size and in each major industry is presented. Entry level training given to apprentices and trainees is also featured.
  • How much tax do we pay?
This review examines the changing levels of taxation, components of taxation and how taxation contributes to the redistribution of income. International comparisons are also made.

          Presented in an easy-to-read format, combining carefully selected tables and graphs with commentary, Australian Social Trends 1998 is designed to provide a valuable resource and reference for anyone who is interested in the nation's social issues