1301.0 - Year Book Australia, 2012  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 24/05/2012   
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MEDIA RELEASE
24 May 2012
Embargo: 11.30 am (Canberra time)
70/2012


The Book of a Nation

The ABS has today launched its 92nd edition of the Year Book Australia at the National Library of Australia.

The multi-award winning author, Libby Gleeson, joined the Australian Statistician, Brian Pink to help launch the book in a special unveiling ceremony.

“I am honoured and feel privileged to be helping the ABS launch its Year Book today”. Libby said. “The Year Book features two National Year of Reading articles that highlight the worrying statistics behind the level of literacy in Australia”

“As a National Year of Reading ambassador, I strongly believe that education and access to reading materials is paramount”.

Libby has written over 30 books, teaches creative writing courses and visits schools to talk about her work and encourage a love of reading. She counts thirteen Children’s Book Council of Australia awards, the Children’s Literature Peace Prize and the Young Australian Readers Award among her many accomplishments.

The Year Book Australia’s key themes also include the Australian Year of the Farmer and the International Year of the Co-operative.

Known as the flagship publication of the ABS, the Year Book has a reputation as one of the best single reference works in Australia. Written in collaboration with over 20 government departments, the Year Book is a well-rounded and extremely comprehensive publication.

‘The Year Book presents statistics in a relevant and interesting way, statistics that can be used and understood by everyone - in all walks of life’ said Brian Pink, the Australian Statistician.

‘Decision-makers, the education sector, journalists and researchers will all benefit from this highly informative summary of Australian Life’.

The Australian Year Book can be viewed for free at https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/1301.0 or hard copies can be purchased for $50 each (including postage and handling) from the website or by calling 1300 135 070.


Media note:
When reporting ABS data the Australian Bureau of Statistics (or ABS) must be attributed as the source.