1132.0 - Directory of Transport Statistics, 2000  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 08/08/2006  Final
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Contents >> Transport Costs >> Household Expenditure Survey

Household Expenditure Survey

Name of Collection
Household Expenditure Survey

Contact
Contact Officer
Household Income and Expenditure Section
Australian Bureau of Statistics
PO Box 10
BELCONNEN ACT 2616

Telephone: Canberra 02 6252 7866
Facsimile: Canberra 02 6252 6870
Email: client.services@abs.gov.au
Internet: www.abs.gov.au

Purpose
To measure the levels and patterns of expenditure on commodities and services by households in Australia.

Description
The Household Expenditure Survey (HES) collects detailed information about the expenditure, income and household characteristics of a sample of households resident in private dwellings throughout Australia. The 1993-94 survey comprised a sample of 8,389 households. Household members keep diaries of their expenditure during a two-week period. Information on personal income, personal and household characteristics, and irregular or infrequent expenditure are collected by personal interview.

Data Detail
Broad expenditure categories are:

  • Current housing costs (selected dwellings);
  • Fuel and power;
  • Food and non-alcoholic beverages;
  • Tobacco;
  • Clothing and footwear;
  • Household furnishings and equipment;
  • Household services and operation;
  • Medical care and health expenses;
  • Transport;
  • Recreation;
  • Personal care; and
  • Miscellaneous commodities and services.

    In relation to transport, data are available for household expenditure on:
  • Motor vehicle purchase, registration and insurance;
  • Motor vehicle fuel, lubricants and additives;
  • Other running expenses of vehicles such as batteries and tyres;
  • Public transport fares; and
  • Other fare and freight charges.

    There are also data on domestic and overseas holidays, including the amount spent on fares and petrol.

    Some data are also available at a person level showing expenditure patterns by occupation (ASCO).

    Geographic Coverage
    For HES publications and unpublished data: rural, urban, capital city, State and Australia.

    For HES small area data (AUSPEND): data are available for small areas based on Census Collection Districts. Data for areas containing under 1,000 households are not considered to be reliable.

    Frequency of Data Availability
    The surveys are conducted every five years. The next survey will be conducted from July 1998 to June 1999. The results will be available in March 2000.

    Historical Data
    Household expenditure surveys have been conducted in 1974-75, 1975-76, 1984 (a calendar year), 1988-89 and 1993-94.

    Note: Data for 1974-75 were collected from households in capital cities only (excluding Darwin). Data for 1975-76 and later surveys were collected from households in capital cities, other urban and rural areas. The first two surveys collected information on fewer commodities and services than those from 1984 and subsequent surveys.

    Products and Services Available
    Publication
    User Guide: Household Expenditure Survey, Australia (cat. no. 6527.0).
    Household Expenditure Survey, Australia: Detailed Expenditure Items (cat. no. 6535.0).
    Other
    AUSPEND, Australia (cat. no. 6536.0). AUSPEND data are only available in respect of the 1993-94 survey.
    Special data services are available on request, including tables to meet specific requests such as data at personal level and confidentialised unit record files.

    Example of Information Available





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