1100.2 - Statistics Victoria (Newsletter), Mar 2007  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 13/04/2007   
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Contents
Introducing the new Statistician
2006 Census release strategy
Victorian Statistical Advisory Forum meeting
Household survey program review
Geographic classification (ASGC) review
Year Book
Wine and grape industry
Regional statistics newsletter
Regional population growth
Causes of death
Suicide
Attendance at cultural venues
Sports attendance
Participation in sports and physical recreation
National Aboriginal & TSI health survey
Health of children
International trade
Regional wage and salary earners
Labour market statistics
Counts of Australian businesses
Building approvals
Information papers, research papers & classifications
Other selected releases
ABS statistical training & information seminars
Points of contact


WHAT'S HAPPENING IN VICTORIA

Welcoming Brian Pink as new Australian Statistician

Brian Pink commenced his role as Australian Statistician (ABS) on 5 March, 2007, taking over from Dennis Trewin. Brian had a long career in the ABS prior to his appointment as New Zealand Government Statistician in October 2000, and has been looking forward to starting his new role in the ABS. He started his career in the ABS's NSW Office prior to moving to ABS Central Office in Canberra, where he spent most of his time in the Economic Statistics Group and Technology Services Division. He was also Deputy Commonwealth Statistician and Government Statistician for Western Australia from 1987 to 1993. Brian is currently President of the International Association of Official Statisticians and Vice Chair of the OECD Committee of Statistics.

Picture of ABS's new Statistician, Brian Pink.


2006 Census release strategy

Image: ABS 2006 Census logo

As with the 2001 Census, data from the 2006 Census of Population and Housing will be available in two stages: first release data will account for about 75% of available variables and is expected in late June 2007; while second release data covers the more complex derived data, and is expected in approximately October 2007. For full details about what data will be available from the 2006 Census, and whether it is first or second release data, refer to the 2006 Census Dictionary (Cat. No. 2901.0) which is available from the ABS website (www.abs.gov.au).

Major enhancements to Web access of Census output: ABS will be releasing an extensive amount of free Census data via the ABS website, accessible via user-friendly interfaces. The previous suite of Community Profiles will continue to be available. However, there is no longer any need to remember which profile has what information: the new interface is built around the concept of searching based on a place or topic of interest. The new output formats will also include a mapping option (QuickMaps); as well as an online (free) version of CDATA2006, complete with its ability to create user-defined regions, graphs and maps. A number of new output formats are already available from the ABS website using 2001 Census data, and you are encouraged to try them out.

Key changes to Census output: With 2006 output, default output will be data based on a person's place of usual residence, not their place of enumeration (ie where counted on Census night) which has been the norm for previous Censuses. Usual Residence data is more aligned with the needs of Census data users, and is now possible as default output due to advances in processing systems. If you intend to compare 2006 output with existing 2001 data, you need to be aware of the count basis, and ensure they are comparable. Time series data on a usual residence basis will be available for 2001 as part of the Community Profile suite, and for most levels of geography for 1996 (down to Statistical Local Area level). The ABS will continue to release place of enumeration data for 2006 output.

New variables:

'Persons who require assistance with core activities': for the first time in the Census, information about whether a person requires assistance with core activities will be available. By virtue of the Census, you can look at the characteristics (ie age, sex, language spoken, whether living alone, etc) and geographic distribution of those who require assistance. This will be a powerful dataset for those wanting to better understand the regional nature of people requiring assistance.

'Volunteers and unpaid work': those who volunteer to help others in the community; including providing support in the community, with unpaid childcare, work done at home, and support provided to the elderly or disabled.

'Internet connections': data on the number of households with internet access by type of internet connection (ie dial-up or broadband) are new variables. With many organisations delivering information and services online, the extent to which communities are connected, and the speed of those connections, will be increasingly important to service delivery and equity of access.

Advance ordering of customised 2006 Census data: Despite the substantial amount of 2006 Census data that will be freely available from the website, given the Census dataset's size, it is not possible to make everything available via the website. Customised tables of more complex cross-classified data will still be available on a fee-for-service basis from ABS. To help users prepare for the receipt and use of 2006 Census information, ABS is again offering it’s Advance Order Service. This service proved popular for the 2001 Census. Demand for customised tables is high in the months following release of Census data. Using the Advance Order Service reduces waiting time by enabling users to specify customised table requirements prior to data release, and have these delivered as soon as possible after the official data release.

The content of released Census data cannot be certain until a few weeks before the scheduled release date. This may have implications for obtaining the full range or quality of variables specified in customised tables. ABS information consultants will guide users through any data issues that arise, ensuring that needs are met as best as possible, and can provide advice on pricing. Information on how to take advantage of the Advance Order Service can be obtained by phoning the ABS on 1300 135 070. An online brochure is also available on the ABS web site: <www.abs.gov.au>, click on the Advance Order icon.

New product briefs: Details on the complete range of products and services from the 2006 Census are available on the ABS website. Go to the "Census" section of the website and from the left-hand side menu, select the "New Product Briefs" tab.
For further information on the 2006 Census release strategy contact Robert Letheby, Assistant Director, Client Services on (03) 9615 7423.

Victorian Statistics Advisory Forum meeting of 15 March 2007

The Victorian Statistics Advisory Forum (VSAF) held its first meeting for 2007 on 15 March. A key item for discussion was a report on the 20 February State Statistical Forum (SSF) meeting in Canberra. The annual SSF provides an opportunity for State and Territory representatives to outline key statistical areas for their government. The second half of the meeting included two presentations; an overview of the Victorian Child and Adolescent Monitoring System (VCAMS) by DHS, and an update on ABS's Census output strategy.

Mr Vin Martin (chair of VSAF and Victorian Government representative at the SSF) provided an overview of issues discussed at the SSF meeting. Agenda items included State and Territory Statistical Priorities, Community Indicators, Population Estimates, Australian Standard Geographical Classification review, Commonwealth Organisation of Australian Governments (COAG) National Reform Agenda, and Agricultural Census.

Mr Vince Lazzaro (Regional Director of ABS's Victorian Office) provided an update on recent ABS activity. This included the Household Survey review, on which state and territory agencies would be consulted. Mr Lazzaro noted National Data Network development, including discussions with several agencies regarding their contribution to the Children and Youth portal. He also reported that preliminary population estimates, based on the 2006 Population Census, would be released on 5 June 2007. There was also discussion regarding the State Statistical Supplementary Survey on household preparedness for emergency management being run by NSW.

Mr Michael White and Ms Pam Muth (Office for Children, DHS) presented an overview of the Victorian Child and Adolescent Monitoring System (VCAMS). VCAMS involves regular tracking of a set of indicators, which would enable government and community leaders to identify areas most in need of intervention, track results of investments and monitor trends over time. The system is based on an outcomes framework, with 35 outcomes focussing on child, family, community, services and support.

Mr Robert Letheby (ABS) updated members on the 2006 Census Output Strategy. There be a two phase release, with approximately 75% of variables released in late June 2007, and the remainder released approximately October 2007. A key change from the 2001 census was that primary output would be based on usual residence, rather than place of enumeration. See other articles in this newsletter for further details about 2006 Census output.

For further information on VSAF contact Antonella Caruso, Assistant Director, Statistical Coordination Branch on (03) 9615 7860 or email <victoria.statistics@abs.gov.au>.

ABS Household Survey Program Review

The ABS Household Survey Program seeks to provide a balanced suite of data which describe various dimensions of social wellbeing. ABS periodically takes a strategic longer term look at this program's composition and balance, to ensure it addresses major and emerging priorities, as well as ongoing user needs. This was last done in 1999, and another review is now under way.

ABS has been actively engaged with many Commonwealth and State/Territory government agencies and non-government users of social data to determine emerging needs and key priorities. Engagement has occurred through specific subject matter reviews, regular liaison processes and high level discussions between ABS staff and ABS output users. A workshop for Victorian state government department representatives took place in Melbourne on 28 March, 2007.

For further information on the Household Survey Program review contact Marie Apostolou, Director, Statistical Coordination Branch on (03) 9615 7500 or email <victoria.statistics@abs.gov.au>.
Australian Standard Geographical Classification Review

ABS has commenced a review of the Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC). The review's aim is to create a new standard geographic classification that will provide a relevant spatial framework for publication and analysis of a wide range of statistics. The review includes all units and structures of the current ASGC between Mesh Block and state level, except remoteness. A proposal is being discussed with stakeholders, and envisages the new classification as having three parts. Each part will contain a number of structures, each designed for a specific purpose.

The ABS structures include a new socioeconomic structure based on the functional area or social catchments of urban areas (replacing current ASGC Main Structures), Labour Force Regions, structures defining rural/urban and remoteness. These structures will be defined and maintained by ABS. They will be built up from whole Mesh Blocks.

The endorsed structures will be largely defined and maintained by organisations outside ABS, with ABS as an active stakeholder. These structures will be built up of whole Mesh Blocks. A set of criteria has been developed to incorporate new endorsed structures into the standard. Indigenous geography, National Resource Management Regions and Australian river basins are likely inclusions in the endorsed structures.

The supported structures contain geographies on which there is widespread community demand for statistics, but are outside the control of ABS. They will be approximated by Mesh Blocks. A set of criteria has been developed to incorporate new supported structures into the standard. Local government areas, postcodes, electoral divisions, tourism regions and suburbs are likely inclusions in the supported geographies.

The new classification will bring all geographical classifications used by ABS (ASGC, Census geographic areas, Tourism Regions and Labour Force Regions) under one framework, built up from Mesh Blocks. Criteria for including new structures in the future will greatly improve its responsiveness to user needs.

The ABS and endorsed structures will be stable between Censuses. The supported structures will be maintained and published annually to reflect changes. Concordances between ABS structures and supported structures will be published annually. A discussion paper will be released in July 2007, followed by a period of further consultation. The final proposal will be considered by ABS senior management in September 2007.

For further information on the ASGC Review contact Alec Bamber, Assistant Director, ASGC Review on (02) 6252 5620 or email <geography@abs.gov.au>.


SELECTED RECENT RELEASES

For further information on ABS publications, the first point of contact is ABS's National Information and Referral Service. (NIRS) phone 1300 135 070, or email <client.services@abs.gov.au>. Publications are available free on the ABS website <www.abs.gov.au>.

1301.0 Year Book Australia, 2007. Released 24/01/2007

Year Book Australia is the principal reference work produced by ABS. It provides a comprehensive and detailed statistical overview of various aspects of the economy and social conditions. It contains descriptive matter dealing with Australia's geography and climate, government, international relations, defence, education, health and welfare support systems. Information on Victoria covered topography, climate, demography, labour force, weekly earnings, housing, health, education, crime, culture, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, transport, natural environment, waste management, irrigation, business innovation, taxation and wages; with useful referencing/bibliography per chapter.

1329.0 Australian Wine and Grape Industry, 2006. Released 29/01/2007

There were 1,901,560 tonnes of grapes crushed in Australia during 2005-06, a decrease of 23,930 tonnes (1.2%) on the record crop of 2004-05. Beverage wine production was 1,434.5 million litres, a drop of 0.6% on the record high from 2004-05. There was continued growth in the export of Australian produced wine, which reached 722.2 million litres during 2005-06, an increase of 7.8% from 2004-05. The value of these exports increased 1.6%, to $2.8b. Domestic sales of Australian wine increased slightly, rising by 0.2% to 431.1 million litres.

The area of vines being cultivated increased again, from the record area of 166,665 hectares in 2005, to 168,791 hectares in 2006. The total area of vines bearing grapes increased from 153,204 hectares to 158,167 hectares, a rise of 3.2%. The area of non-bearing grapes fell 21.1% in 2006 to 10,624 hectares from 13,462 hectares in 2005.

In 2006, there were 6,583 vineyards (83.5%) that irrigated 148,660 hectares, including: South Australia (65,597 hectares), New South Wales (35,876 hectares), and Victoria (33,575 hectares). The average usage of water around Australia was 3.66 Ml per hectare, with Victoria averaging 5.10 Ml per hectare. Victoria accounted for 24.8% of all Australian wine making locations and 13.6% of all grapes crushed. Victoria had 38,980 ha of vines planted, of which 36,597 bore fruit. Some 65.0% of the Victorian area planted in grapes is in North-western Victoria, where the yield (17.6 t/ha) was above the Victorian average (13.6 t/ha). Most grapes were used in winemaking, but dried and table grapes are other outlets.

1376.1 What's New in Regional Statistics (Newsletter). Released 07/04/2007

This new biannual newsletter delivers information on ABS statistics and developments relevant to users of rural and regional statistics around Australia. It showcases the breadth of statistics available for decision makers at a local level. To subscribe to this newsletter, please e-mail <regional.statistics@abs.gov.au> with "Subscribe - Rural and Regional Newsletter" in the subject line.

3218.0 Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2005-06. Released 27/02/2007

Australia’s estimated resident population (ERP) at June 2006 was 20.6 million, an increase of 265,700 since June 2005. This represents an annual growth rate of 1.3%, which was higher than the average annual growth rate (1.2%) for the five years to June 2006. All states and territories experienced population growth in 2005-06, with the largest increases occurring in Queensland (up 76,400 people), Victoria (68,500 people) and New South Wales (58,800 people). Victoria's 2006 population was 5,091,666 people, with a median age of 36.8 years.

In 2006, capital city Statistical Divisions (SDs) were home to over 13 million people, around two-thirds (64%) of Australia’s population. Melbourne SD (up 49,000 people) recorded the largest growth of capital cities in 2005-06, followed by Sydney SD (37,200 people), Perth SD (29,900 people) and Brisbane SD (29,500).

Perth (C)(up 1,500 people, 12.4%) recorded the fastest annual growth rate of all Australian LGAs, while Melbourne (C)(up 2,100 people, 3.3%) had the second fastest growth of all inner city LGAs. Adelaide (C) increased by 3.0% and Sydney (C) by 2.0%.

Melbourne SD's growth equated to an average increase of about 940 people per week. Within Melbourne SD, the largest annual growth occurred in the fringe LGAs of Melton (S)(up 6,800 people, 8.9%), Wyndham (C)(6,700, 5.7%) and Casey (C)(6,400, 3.0%). The Victorian LGA of Greater Geelong (C)(2,640 people, 1.3%) experienced strong growth in 2005-06; followed by Greater Bendigo (C)(1,900 people, 2.0%), Ballarat (C)(1,700 people, 1.9%) and Surf Coast (S)(1,100 people, 4.8%).

Graph: 2005-06 Annual Population Growth: Top Six LGA's


Graph: 2005-06 Top LGA Annual Population Growth Rates

The four fastest growing inland Statistical Districts (urban SLA groups) were all located within Victoria: Mildura (up 2.2%), Bendigo (2.0%), Ballarat (1.9%) and Shepparton (1.9%).

The most densely populated SLA in Victoria was Port Phillip (C) - St Kilda with 5,700 people per square kilometre. Discussion of Victorian population growth factors such as natural increase, interstate and overseas migration are covered in 'Australian Demographic Statistics, Sept qtr 2007' (Cat no 3101.0, released 22/03/2007).

3303.0 Causes of Death, Australia, 2005. Released 14/03/2007

Statistics and indicators for deaths, including perinatal deaths, registered in Australia during 2005. These statistics were compiled from data made available to ABS by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages in each state or territory.

There were 130,714 deaths registered in Australia during 2005, fewer than the 132,508 registered in 2004. The standardised death rate recorded in 2005 was 598 deaths per 100,000 population, lower than the 626 deaths per 100,000 in 2004, and 778 deaths per 100,000 in 1995.

The 2005 standardised death rate for males was 728 deaths per 100,000, and for females 490 per 100,000. The Northern Territory recorded the highest rate (855 deaths per 100,000 population), ACT had the lowest (563 per 100,000); with Victoria (586.0 per 100,000) comparing well. The proportion of deaths due to ischaemic heart disease has consistently decreased from 23.7% in 1995 to 18.0% in 2005, while the proportion of deaths due to malignant neoplasms increased from 27.0% to 29.4%.

3309.0 Suicides, Australia, 2005. Released 14/03/2007

Summary statistics on deaths registered in Australia where the underlying cause of death was determined to be suicide. These statistics were compiled from data made available to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) by the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages and coroners in each State or Territory. Data are presented for suicide deaths registered in the years 1995 to 2005, by sex and age group, and method of suicide.

While suicide accounts for only a small proportion (1.6%) of total deaths; suicide deaths make up more than 20% of deaths from all causes for males aged 20 to 34 years. The Australian age-standardised suicide rate (for persons) in 2005 was 1% lower than the corresponding rate for 2004, and 30% lower than in 1997. The 2005 suicide rate for males was 16.4 per 100,000, while the female rate was 4.3 per 100,000. The median age at death for suicide was 41.4 years for males and 44.1 years for females. In comparison, the median age for deaths from all causes was 76.8 for males and 82.9 years for females. The Victorian age-standardised suicide rate (10.6 per 100,000) for 2001-05 was below the Australian average (11.2 per 100,000).

4114.0 Attendance at Selected Cultural Venues and Events, Australia, 2005-06. Released 25/01/2007

During the 12 months before interview in 2005-06, about 85% (13.6 million people) of Australians aged 15 years and over attended at least one of the cultural venues and events asked about in this survey. The highest attendance rates were at cinemas (65% of people), zoological parks and aquariums (36%), libraries (34%) and botanic gardens (34%).

Employed people (and particularly those employed part-time) had significantly higher attendance rates at classical and popular music concerts, theatre performances, musicals and operas than people who were unemployed or not in the labour force. At most other cultural venues and events the attendance rates for employed and unemployed were not significantly different. However, unemployed people had the highest library attendance rate, with 48% having visited one in the previous 12 months, compared with 31% for employed people. Data includes type of venue by state, with time series (1995, 1999, and 2005-06), age group, sex and other variables.

4174.0 Sports Attendance, Australia, 2005-06. Released 25/01/2007

2005-06 Multi-Purpose Household Survey (MPHS) results on attendance at sports events, with characteristics of persons aged 15 years and over who attended sporting events as spectators (excluding junior and school sport). Australian Rules football was the most attended sport: attended at least once by over 2.5 million people aged 15 years and over (16% of Australians) in the 12 months prior to interview. The highest attendance rates for this sport were reported in South Australia (31%), Tasmania (30%) and Victoria (28%). Other sports which attracted over one million attendees were Rugby League (1.5 million) and motor sports (1.5 million). Attendance was higher for males than females for the majority of the twelve main sports; except tennis and netball, for which 2% of females attended compared with 1% of males. Cricket (outdoor) was the fifth most attended sport, having an overall attendance rate of 5%.

The majority of people who attended dog racing (74%), harness racing (74%), horse racing (70%), motor sports (69%) and tennis (65%) only attended once or twice during the 12 months. In contrast, 46% of people who attended netball did so six or more times, as did over a third of those attending each of Australian Rules football, basketball and soccer (outdoor) (all 34%).

The most popular sports attended in Victoria were Australian Rules football (1,140,300 persons), horse racing (542,900), motor sports (326,700), cricket (outdoor)(222,000), and tennis (140,800). Australian Rules football and horse racing were leaders with Victorian women.

4177.0 Participation in Sports and Physical Recreation, Australia, 2005-06. Released 14/02/2007

This publication presents results from the 2005-06 Multi-Purpose Household Survey (MPHS). The survey obtained data about persons aged 15 years and over who participated in sport and physical recreation activities as a player, competitor or person who physically undertook the activity.

Nearly two-thirds (66% or 10.5 million people) of the Australian population aged 15 years and over participated in sports and physical recreation at least once during the 12 months prior to interview in 2005-06. Participation in activities organised by a club, association or other organisation showed similar proportions for males (2.3 million, 29%) and females (2.1 million, 26%). Some 29% of persons 15 years and over (4.7 million people) participated in sports and physical recreation twice a week. More females (2.6 million, 32%) than males (2.1 million, 27%) were involved in more than twice-weekly participation.

Nationally, the number participating in non-organised activities (8.6 million, 54% of persons 15+) was almost double that for participation in organised activities (4.4 million, 28%). The highest participation rates were reported by people aged 15–17 years (75%) and 25–34 years (75%), and the lowest for those aged 65 years and over (49%). About a third (32%, 5.1 million) of persons 15 years and over undertook sports or physical recreation activities for a total of 105 times or more during the 12 months. The highest participation rates were in the Australian Capital Territory (80%) and Western Australia (71%), while the Northern Territory (58%) had the lowest rate; and Victoria (65%) rated in-between.

In Victoria, walking was the most common physical recreation activity, with over 971,600 people (24.1%) participating during the 12-months. Next came aerobics/fitness (476,700 persons, 11.8%), swimming (323,300, 8.0%), cycling (256,100, 6.4%), golf (236,900, 5.9%), tennis (191,300, 4.7%), running (171,000, 4.2%), Australian Rules football (132,500, 3.3%), netball (126,900, 3.2%), and cricket (outdoor, 113,800, 2.8%). More Victorian males than females participated in cycling (158,000 vs 98,100 females), golf (187,000 vs 49,900), running (116,800 vs 54,200), Australian Rules football (120,800 vs 11,700) and cricket (110,600 vs 3,200). Females excelled in walking (671,900 vs 299,700 males), Aerobics/fitness (312,500 vs 164,200), swimming (186,800 vs 136,500), tennis (101,000 vs 90,200) and netball (107,200 vs 19,700).

Graph: Participants, top Ten Sports / Physical Recreation Activities and Sex, Victoria


Reasons for non-participation in sport or physical activity included: insufficient time due to work, study or family commitments; lack of interest; age or too old; and on-going injury or illness. Reasons favouring participation included: health and fitness, enjoyment, well-being, social or family reasons, weight loss, transport, and walking the dog.

4715.0.55.006 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: Summary Booklet, 2004-05. Released 20/02/2007.  First Issue

This summary booklet is based on the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey (NATSIHS), 2004–05 (cat. no. 4715.0). NATSIHS is the largest Indigenous health survey conducted by ABS. At time of survey, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population was estimated to be 474,300 people, or 2.4% of total Australian population. Topics include: self-assessed health status, long-term health conditions, dental health, health risk factors (smoking, alcohol, diet, & body mass), and women's and children's health (immunisation, breastfeeding, children's hearing, & women's health). Information is mainly at Australia level, and includes selected health indicators for Torres Strait Islanders.

4829.0.55.001 Health of Children in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05. Released 15/02/2007

In June 2006, there were 4 million children aged under 15 years in Australia, representing one-fifth (19%) of the total population. In 2004-05, boys (44%) were more likely than girls (38%) to have a long term health condition. Diseases of the respiratory system were reported for 19% of children, the main conditions being asthma (12%), hayfever and allergic rhinitis (8%) and chronic sinusitis (3%). Diseases of the eye and adnexa were reported for 10% of children, including long sightedness (4%) and short sightedness (4%). Between 1984 and 2003 the death rate for Australian children aged 1-14 years decreased from 30 to 15 deaths per 100,000 children.

Mental and behavioural problems were reported for 7% of children. The most frequently identified mental health problems were somatic complaints (that is chronic physical complaints without a known cause, 7%), delinquent behaviour (7%), attention problems (6%) and aggressive behaviour (5%).

In 2003, 319,900 children (8%) reported a disability. Of those with a disability, 67% of children under five years and 49% of those 5-14 years had a profound or severe core activity limitation.

In December 2005, vaccination coverage for Australian children at age one year was 91% and covered diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, Haemiphilus influenza (Hib) and hepatitis B. The proportion of children fully vaccinated at age two years was 92%, and at six years was 84%.

5368.0 International Trade, January 2007. Released 06/03/2007

During January 2007, monthly imports to Victoria totalled $A4.1b, down $53m (-0.6%) on December 2006. Some of the larger value source countries included: China (excl Hong Kong, $735m), USA ($537m), Japan ($360m), Germany ($280m), Thailand ($166m), Singapore ($163m), NZ ($145m), Malaysia ($125m), Taiwan ($121m), UK ($115m), Vietnam ($114), France ($108m), and Korea ($108m). Import trade with the Middle East included: Israel ($18 m), Turkey ($17m), Qatar ($11m), United Arab Emirates ($4m), Saudi Arabia ($3m), Iran ($1m).

Exports from Victoria totalled $A1.3b, down $370m (-21.8%) on Dec 2006. Some of the larger value destination countries were: China (excl Hong Kong, $142m), Japan ($134), NZ ($126m), USA ($96m), Rep of Korea ($88m), Hong Kong (SAR, $45m), Thailand ($42m), Taiwan ($41m), UK ($40m), Malaysia ($39m), India ($35m), Indonesia ($35m), and Singapore ($33m). Victorian exports to the Middle East included: Saudi Arabia ($65m), United Arab Emirates ($24m), Oman ($13m), Turkey ($13m), Kuwait ($12m), Egypt ($12m), Qatar ($7), Iran ($6m), Bahrain ($5m), Jordan ($4m), and Israel ($1m).

Over the year (January 2006 compared to January 2007), monthly imports to Victoria increased in value by $23m (0.6%), and exports from Victoria increased $164m (14.1%). At January 2007, imports to Victoria ($4.1b) were worth 3.1 times more than Victoria's exports ($1.3b).

5673.0.55.001 Regional Wage and Salary Earner Statistics, Australia, 2003-04. Released 09/03/2007

Presents characteristics of wage and salary earners in Statistical Local Areas (SLAs) with the highest average income from wages and salaries in 2003-04 for each state and territory. Bayside (C) - Brighton in Victoria was among the top ten ranked SLAs across Australia. In Queensland, South Australia and the Northern Territory, SLAs with a mining focus had the highest average wage and salary incomes.

Victoria had 1,968,244 wage and salary earners, with an average income of $38,754. In Victoria, the highest average incomes from wages and salaries were in inner-metropolitan SLAs of Bayside (C) - Brighton, Port Phillip (C) - West, Stonnington (C) - Prahran, Boroondara (C) - Kew, and Stonnington (C) - Malvern. Their average wage and salary incomes ranged from $62,715 in Bayside (C) - Brighton to $54,888 in Stonnington (C) - Malvern. A common characteristic of these five SLAs was an above average proportion of female wage and salary earners; with Stonnington (C) - Prahran and Boroondara (C) - Kew having 50% of wage and salary earners female. Wage and salary earners in these five SLAs were most likely to be working as managers and administrators; professionals; or intermediate clerical, sales and service workers. Bayside (C) - Brighton had relatively older wage and salary earners, while Port Phillip (C) - West and Stonnington (C) - Prahran had younger populations. It contains links to modified Google Maps which outline the SLA boundaries of all of top ranking areas.

Companion data cubes exist in cat. no. 5673.0.55.003. They contain various cross-tabulations of wage and salary earner characteristics such as age, sex, occupation, wage and salary income and total income for 2003-04.

6105.0 Australian Labour Market Statistics, January 2007. Released 05/01/2007

Data on the labour market. It also flags several supplementary surveys released in December 2006: Labour Mobility, Australia (cat. no. 6209.0), Job Search Experience, Australia (cat. no. 6222.0), Education and Work, Australia (cat. no. 6227.0), and Work-Related Injuries, Australia (cat. no. 6324.0).

8165.0 Counts of Australian Businesses, Including Entries and Exits, June 2003 to June 2006. Released 26/02/2007

There were 1,963,907 actively trading businesses in Australia as at June 2006. Of the 1,868,969 businesses operating in June 2003, 65.0% were still operating in June 2006. Property and business services had the greatest number of businesses with 492,453 (or 25% of total), followed by construction (16%), retail trade and agriculture, forestry and fishing (11% each). There were 807,581 (41.1%) employing businesses and 1,156,326 (58.9%) non-employing businesses. Contains limited state level data.

8731.0 Building Approvals, Australia, January 2007. Released 06/03/2007

In January 2007, private sector housing approvals (trend) fell 1.6% nationally in the month. The trend rose in Queensland (+0.5%); was flat in South Australia; and fell in New South Wales (-2.1%), Victoria (-3.2%) and Western Australia (-2.7%). There were 2,132 total dwelling units approved in Victoria during January, of which 1,776 were private sector houses. Some 1,175 of these house approvals were in Melbourne.

Total Victorian new residential dwelling units approved (2,101 units, original series) were comprised of: houses (1,779), townhouses (295), apartments (27), and other dwellings (322). Total Victorian new residential building approvals in January 2007 were worth $458.2m (34.0%) out of a Victorian total monthly building approved $1.36b. The trend estimate for total dwelling units approved in Victoria has fallen for the last six months. The trend estimate for private sector houses is showing falls for the last five months. Only 27 apartments (original series) were approved in January 2007, compared with 418 in December 2006.

Graph: Number of Dwellings Approved, Victoria



INFORMATION PAPERS, RESEARCH PAPERS AND CLASSIFICATIONS

1269.0 Standard Australian Classification of Countries (SACC), 1998 (Revision 2.03). Released 22/01/2007

Previously called the Australian Standard Classification of Countries for Social Statistics (ASCCSS). SACC explains the conceptual basis of classification, classification structure, alphabetic and numerical order coding indexes, concordances between SACC and ASCCSS, a link between International Statistics Organisation codes and classification codes, and a link between the classification and United Nations Standard Country or Area Codes. The classification is intended for use whenever population or economic statistics are classified by country.

2058.0 2006 Census QuickMaps Templates, 2007. Released 02/03/2007.  First Issue

These templates provide a guide to topics which will be available via QuickMaps when 2006 Census data is released. The topic lists may be downloaded free of charge. QuickMaps are designed to provide users with quick and easy access to thematically mapped Census statistics, with output based on place of usual residence. The maps will be available for larger geographies and depict selected population, ethnicity, education, family, income, labour force and dwelling characteristics. Users will have the opportunity to select a topic and a level of geographic disaggregation that best suits their needs wherever possible.

2919.0.55.001 2001 to 2006 Census Collection District Comparability Listing, Aug 2006. Released 01/02/2007

At each Census, Collection Districts may be redesigned to accommodate growth in population, or conform to other administrative data. To assist users compare data for Collection Districts which changed between 2001 and 2006 Censuses, a comparability code has been allocated to pairs of 2001 and 2006 Collection Districts. The resultant listing, which includes all Collection Districts for both 2001 and 2006, indicates the degree to which the boundary of a Collection District has changed between the Censuses. The data is supplied as a comma delimited text file with an accompanying explanation of each code's meaning.

4527.0 National Criminal Courts Data Dictionary, 2006. Released 01/02/2007

The National Criminal Courts Data Dictionary seeks to maximise comparability of criminal court statistics within and across criminal court collections. National data items are defined and methods for the use of data elements and concepts are outlined. The dictionary defines national data items and outlines methods for the use of 27 data elements and concepts that underpin the ABS and Council of Australian Governments (COAG) criminal court collections. This publication revises a copy of the National Criminal Courts Data Dictionary that was previously available on the National Statistical Service website.

6102.0.55.001 Labour Statistics: Concepts, Sources and Methods, August 2006. Released 02/03/2007

Provides a comprehensive description of the concepts and definitions underpinning Australian labour statistics, and data sources and methods used in the collection and compilation of these statistics.

6402.0 Experimental Price Index for Retail Trade Margins, 2003 to 2006: Information Paper, 2003 to 2006. Released 20/02/2007.  First Issue

This paper presents an experimental index measuring price change of the service provided by retailers. This experimental index represents one of the first attempts by a national statistical agency to construct such a measure. ABS welcomes feedback on this experimental price index for retail trade margins.

OTHER SELECTED RELEASES

1147.0 Service Industries Statistics (Newsletter), 2006. Released 15/03/2007

1367.2 State and Regional Indicators, Victoria, Dec 2006. Released 08/02/2007

1309.0 Australia at a Glance, 2007. Released 24/01/2007

2001.0.55.001 Census Community Profile Templates, 2007. Released 05/01/2007

2057.0.55.001 2006 Census Tables Templates, 2006. Released 23/02/2007

2914.0 2006 Census of Population and Housing - Fact Sheets, 2007. Released 20/03/2007

3101.0 Australian Demographic Statistics, Sept qtr 2007. Released 22/03/2007

3317.0.55.001 External Causes of Death, Data Quality Information Paper, 2005. Released 14/03/2007

4100.0.55.001 Multi-Purpose Household Survey, Australia, Expanded Confidentialised Unit Record File, 2005-06. Released 14/02/2007

4147.4.55.001 Culture and Recreation News, March 2007. Released 21/03/2007

4610.0.55.004 Research Paper: An Experimental Monetary Water Account for Australia, 2003-04. Released 13/02/2007

5678.0 Venture Capital and Later Stage Private Equity, Australia, 2005-06. Released 16/02/2007

6211.0 Child Employment, June 2006. Released 15/02/2007

6416.0 House price Indexes: eight Capital Cities, Dec 2006. Released 15/02/2007

8153.0 Internet Activity, Australia, Sept 2006. Released 16/02/2007

8301.0.55.001 Manufacturing Production, Australia, Dec 2006. Released 13/02/2007

8635.0 Tourist Accommodation, Australia, Sept 2006. Released 09/01/2007

8635.2.55.001 Tourist Accommodation, Small Area Data, Victoria, Sept 2006. Released 16/01/2007

9108.0 Transport Statistics Update (Newsletter), March 2007. Released 21/03/2007

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, building approvals, labour force, consumer price index, sales of new motor vehicles, and retail trade.

Free ABS publications online. All ABS electronic publications from 1998 onwards are available free from <www.abs.gov.au>.

ABS STATISTICAL TRAINING & INFORMATION SEMINARS

ABS Victorian Office Training Program

Basic Statistical Analysis - 5 & 6 September
$750.00

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.

Turning Data Into Information (TDII) - 18 & 19 April and 14 & 15 August
$750.00

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.

Making Quality Informed Decisions - 17 May and 16 October
$450.00

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.

Basic Survey Design - 26 & 27 June and 21 & 22 November
$750.00

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.

Using ABS Datacubes in SuperTable - 23 May and 26 July
$300.00

This half day workshop will teach participants how to access datasets in SuperTABLE format to create tables that meet their organisation's information needs. Through a combination of theoretical instruction and computer-based exercises, participants will learn how to use the free SuperTABLE software to analyse ABS datacubes.

For further information go to the ABS website <www.abs.gov.au>. Select 'Services We Provide' then 'ABS Training' or contact Maxine McDermott on (03) 9615 7080 or email <victoria.statistics@abs.gov.au>.
Census Information Sessions In Regional Victoria

During the first half of 2007, ABS Victoria will be conducting free information sessions in regional centres, to raise awareness about how ABS can assist regional organisations and individuals with their information needs. Whilst forthcoming 2006 Census output will be a major focus, sessions will be presented in the wider context of ABS's role and what's relevant to regional users. This includes statistical training, school services, website information and regional profiles.

Regional centres yet to be visited include: Ballarat (16/5), Bendigo (23/5), Churchill (near Morwell, 19/4), Geelong (3/4), Mildura (29/5), Shepparton (31/5), Warrnambool (24/4), Wodonga (1/6).

For full details concerning venues and dates, go to <www.abs.gov.au>. Select 'Census Reference and Information' then '2006 Census' then 'Information Sessions' or contact Robert Letheby on (03) 9615 7423 or Heather Burns on (03) 9615 7535 or email <victoria.statistics@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

Department of Treasury and Finance
Peter Fuhrmann

Department of Premier and Cabinet
Jane Brockington

Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
Chris West

Department of Education
Ian Burrage

Department of Human Services
Dr Connie Spinoso

Department of Justice
John Lang

Department of Infrastructure
Philip Norman

Department for Victorian Communities

Alison McClelland

Department of Sustainability and Environment
Jeremy Reynolds (a/g)

Department of Primary Industries
Bill Fisher

ABS Victoria
Vince Lazzaro


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
<victoria.statistics@abs.gov.au>.

Statistical Coordination Branch
Director (a/g)
Marie Apostolou
(03) 9615 7500
<victoria.statistics@abs.gov.au>.

Assistant Director
Antonella Caruso
(03) 9615 7860
<victoria.statistics@abs.gov.au>.

Assistant Director
Christine Sergi
(03) 9615 7695
<victoria.statistics@abs.gov.au>.

Statistics Victoria Editor
Alan Page
(03) 9615 7899
<victoria.statistics@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. Subscribe to this newsletter by contacting Alan Page on (03) 9615 7899 or email <victoria.statistics@abs.gov.au>. 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.