AUSTRALIAN SOCIAL TRENDS 2007

We're more likely to be overweight, less likely to marry, and consuming more goods and services, according to the recently released Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) flagship publication, Australian Social Trends, 2007 (cat. no. 4102.0). This annual publication provides a snapshot of life in Australia, including contemporary social issues and areas of public policy concern.


Drawing on a wide range of ABS statistics and other official sources, Australian Social Trends describes aspects of Australian society, and how these are changing over time, both nationally and for all states and territories. It is designed to assist and encourage informed decision-making, and to be of value to a wide audience, including those engaged in social policy, research, journalism, marketing and teaching, as well as anyone interested in how we live today and how we've changed over recent decades.

Australian Social Trends 2007 covers major areas of social concern, including population, family and community, health, education and training, work, economic resources, housing, crime and justice, culture and leisure, the environment, and provides international comparisons for a number of these topics. In this edition, articles focus on fertility, maternity and babies, labour force participation, one-parent families, international students, wealth in housing, overweight and obesity, and trends in household consumption.

For further information contact the National Information and Referrals Service on 1300 135 070 or email client.services@abs.gov.au.