Archive
Suicides, Australia, 2010
Suicides, Australia, 2010
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Suicide is a major public health issue. Although death by suicide is relatively uncommon (approximately 1.6% of all deaths), the human costs are substantial and can impact broadly across communities. As such, suicide prevention is a key focus for both government agencies and non-government organisations.
Over recent years there have been two government enquiries which have made recommendations on improving suicide data. The Senate report – ‘The Hidden Toll: Suicide in Australia’, was released in June 2010. This report highlighted issues with data quality and availability, focussing especially on under-reporting of suicide deaths. The House of Representatives report – ‘Before it’s too late’ was released in July 2011. This report made specific recommendations on extending the scope of social and demographic data that is routinely collected on suicide deaths, and the availability of disaggregated data for research purposes.
The ABS has responded to challenges concerning the quality of suicide data through the implementation of new coding guidelines, and a three year revisions program for coroner certified deaths (see Chapter 2 for more information). This revisions process allows time for coroners to investigate potential suicide deaths and make a determination on whether the death was as a result of intentional self-harm.
In terms of expanding the availability of data on suicide, there were several additional data items, the importance of which were highlighted by the House of Representatives report – ‘Before it’s too late’, including ethnicity, culture, geography, educational attainment, employment status and socio-economic status. Many of these data items are not captured in current datasets, and the viability of collection in the future will need further investigation. However, additional information that can be publicly reported is available in current datasets. This information can provide further insight into the impacts of suicide across particular segments of the Australian community, and is presented in this report.
Australian Social Trends — March 2012
Australian Social Trends — March 2012
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
+ Life on ‘Struggle Street’: Australians in low economic resource households
This article looks at the characteristics of people in households with both relatively low income and relatively low wealth.
+ Love Me Do
This article examines the trends in marriage, de facto relationships and divorce over the last twenty years.
+ Life after Homelessness
This article presents a comparison of people who have been homeless in the last 10 years with those who have never been homeless.
+ Disability and Work
This article looks at the characteristics of working-age people with disability and their involvement in the labour force.
Causes of Death, Australia, 2010
Causes of Death, Australia, 2010
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
nformation contained in the preceding chapters of this publication refer to deaths registered during the 2010 calendar year. In this chapter, death statistics are based on a year of occurrence, that is, the year in which the death actually occurred, rather than the year it was registered. The presentation of year of occurrence data in this publication facilitates international comparisons.
There are a proportion of deaths that occur in a year which are not registered until subsequent years. The international standard for publishing on a year of occurrence basis is to include deaths registered within the relevant occurrence year, and deaths for that same occurrence year which are registered the year immediately following. For example, deaths occuring in 2009 that have been registered in both 2009 and 2010 are presented below.
Analysis of deaths in Australia has shown that the number of deaths registered after the second year are not significant; that is, there is a very small number of deaths registered after the second year.
Year of occurrence data allow for seasonal analysis, and data are not distorted by the effects of late registrations or changes in time lags in processing registrations. In those countries where registration systems are complete and timely, there is not a significant difference between the number of deaths derived on a year of registration basis and those on a year of occurrence basis.
For Australia, approximately 95% of deaths registered in a particular year occurred in that year. However, variations can occur in certain subsets of the population and for particular causes of death. For instance, while 94.8% of the total 140,760 deaths registered in 2009 occurred in the same year, only 86.7% of the 2,405 Indigenous deaths and 91.6% of 9,043 deaths due to External causes registered in 2009 occurred in that year. More detailed data for specific causes or population groups are available from the ABS on request.
AU — Directory of Family and Domestic Violence Statistics, 2011
Provides an on-line reference point for sources of data relating to Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) that are collected by, or on behalf of, Australian and State and Territory Government agencies. Directory entries provide information about the purpose, type of collection, frequency, history and range of FDV-related data available from each collection. Contact details, including links to source agencies are also provided as well as information about publications and further data availability for each source.
AU — Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Disability and Long Term Health Conditions, 2009
Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia: Disability and Long Term Health Conditions, 2009 (cat. no. 4433.0) presents a suite of data cubes examining the relationship between disability and long term health conditions. The tables include broad level information on the numbers of people with long term health conditions in each of the States of Australia (ACT and NT are not included). They also include information on some of the most common long term health conditions, the degree to which these restrict people with disability and the causes underlying main conditions.
Several tables provide detailed information on five impairment groups – sensory, intellectual, physical, psychological and head injury (an impairment is where there is loss or abnormality in body structure or the way in which the body or mind work). Impairment groups are examined with relation to living arrangements and to the restrictions particular impairments place on daily living (personal care, schooling and employment). There is also information on the need for, and receipt of, assistance in relation to impairment groups.
Several tables provide information on specific age groups – children (0-14 years), working age adults (15-64 years) and people aged 65 years and over.
Household Use of Information Technology, Australia, 2010-11
There are two components to this release: web based information and datacubes. This release includes information related to: household internet and computer access; type of household internet access; personal internet use; internet and computer use by persons with a disability; and internet and computer use by persons aged 60 years and over. Web based information includes graphs with associated commentary. Detailed data classified by geographic and socio-economic variables are presented in the datacubes.
Sports and Physical Recreation: A Statistical Overview, Australia, 2011
This publication presents a statistical overview of sport and recreation in Australia, using the latest data available from a diverse range of ABS and other collections. The dominant focus is on sport and physical recreation, with data also being presented for other selected leisure areas.
Deaths, Australia, 2010
Deaths, Australia, 2010
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
This publication brings together statistics on deaths and mortality in Australia. Data refer to deaths registered during the calendar year shown, unless otherwise stated. State or territory relates to state or territory of usual residence, unless otherwise stated.
Populations used in the calculation of death rates for 2006 and earlier years are the final estimated resident population by age and sex based on results of the 2006 Census of Population and Housing (2006 Census) and earlier censuses. Death rates for 2009 are calculated using revised 30 June 2009 estimated resident population, while rates for 2010 are calculated using preliminary 30 June 2010 estimated resident population.
General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia, 2010
General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia, 2010
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Presents results of the 2010 General Social Survey, which brings together a wide range of information to enable it to be linked across areas of social concern. The focus is on the relationships between characteristics from different areas, rather than in depth information about a particular field. Topics include health, housing, education, work, income, financial stress and resilience, broad assets and liabilities, transport, social capital, voluntary work, family and community, and crime. Provides an overview through summary tables for different population groups and selected themes. More detailed cross classified tables also cover selected themes.
Selected Characteristics of Australian Business, 2009-10
Selected Characteristics of Australian Business, 2009-10
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
This is the final release from the 2009-10 Business Characteristics Survey (BCS) and presents summary data for a selection of topics including nature of business ownership, collaborative arrangements, franchising agreements, performance measures, barriers, government financial assistance, finance sought, innovation, business use of information technology, skills, markets and competition. Data included are additional to those outputs from the BCS released earlier this year in Summary of IT Use and Innovation in Australian Business, 2009-10 (cat. no. 8166.0) and Business Use of Information Technology, 2009-10 (cat. no. 8129.0).
Diabetes in Australia: A Snapshot, 2007-08
Diabetes in Australia: A Snapshot, 2007-08
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body is deficient in producing or using insulin, a hormone that controls blood glucose levels [1]. People with diabetes have difficulty converting glucose from foods such as breads and cereals into energy, which leads to high levels of blood glucose (also known as hyperglycaemia). Prolonged hyperglycaemia can result in a range of complications, including slow-healing cuts and sores, decreased vision and nerve damage causing cold or insensitive feet [2]. If left undiagnosed or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to coronary heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, limb amputations or blindness. Diabetes has a significant impact on the well-being of individuals and their ability to fully participate in their community, and has the potential to reduce quality of life and life expectancy [3].
There are three main types of diabetes, Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is characterised by a severe lack of insulin produced in the pancreas, and is most commonly diagnosed from early childhood to the late 30′s. People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin replacement for survival. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by insufficient levels of insulin or the body’s ineffective use of insulin and develops most often in middle or older age. Gestational diabetes is characterised by higher blood glucose levels appearing for the first time during pregnancy in women not previously diagnosed with other forms of diabetes. This type of diabetes is generally short-term but may precede the development of Type 2 diabetes [3].
The number of people worldwide with diabetes is increasing, with an estimated two people developing diabetes every 10 seconds [4]. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Diabetes Atlas estimates that diabetes prevalence for 2010 has risen to 285 million people, representing 6.6% of the world’s adult population. (The rate of diabetes in Australia (3.8%) is relatively low compared with North America and the Caribbean (10.2%), Middle East and North Africa (9.3%), and South East Asia (7.6%)). By 2030, around 438 million people worldwide are projected to have diabetes [5].
Survey of Motor Vehicle Use, Australia, 12 months ended 31 October 2010
Survey of Motor Vehicle Use, Australia, 12 months ended 31 October 2010
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
This publication presents estimates from the 2010 Survey of Motor Vehicle Use (SMVU). It contains statistics on passenger vehicle, motor cycle, truck and bus use for characteristics such as distance travelled, tonne-kilometres and fuel consumption.
The data were collected in four quarterly sample surveys conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) over the period 1 November 2009 to 31 October 2010.
Gender Indicators, Australia, Jul 2011
Gender Indicators, Australia, Jul 2011
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
The indicators presented in the July 2011 issue of Gender Indicators, Australia, are organised in six domains representing major areas of social concern for gender equality – Economic security, Education, Health, Work and family balance, Safety and justice, and Democracy, governance and citizenship. The publication presents data for 49 key indicators and 42 related supporting indicators across all the six major areas of social concern. Some indicators are also accompanied with written commentary of key points and graphical representation.
Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2010
Population by Age and Sex, Regions of Australia, 2010
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
The estimated resident population of Australia at 30 June 2010 was 22.33 million people. Since June 2005, the Australian population has increased by 1.93 million people or 9.5% (an average of 1.8% per year).
At June 2010, just under one-third (32.4%) of Australia’s population resided in New South Wales, down slightly from 33.1% in 2005. The Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory contained the smallest proportions of Australia’s population (1.0% and 1.6% respectively) of all states and territories, as they did five years prior.
All states and territories experienced population growth between June 2005 and June 2010. Queensland recorded the largest growth (519,000 people), while Western Australia recorded the fastest growth (13.7% or an average of 2.6% per year). Tasmania had the smallest and slowest growth, increasing by 21,300 people (4.4% or 0.9% per year).
At June 2010, just over one-fifth (20.5%) of Australia’s population resided within Sydney Statistical Division (SD), down slightly from 20.8% in 2005. Melbourne SD had the largest growth of any capital city SD in the five years to June 2010, gaining 396,400 people. Darwin SD was the fastest growing at 14.6% or 2.8% on average per year. Greater Hobart SD experienced both the slowest (5.5% or 1.1% per year) and smallest (11,200 people) growth.
Arthritis and Osteoporosis in Australia: A Snapshot, 2007-08
Arthritis and Osteoporosis in Australia: A Snapshot, 2007-08
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Arthritis and osteoporosis are leading causes of pain, disability and illness. Arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions accounted for 4% of the disease burden in Australia in 2007-08. These conditions place a large financial cost on the health care system, accounting for 7.5% ($4.0 billion) of total allocated health expenditure in 2004-05. This was the fourth highest rate of expenditure, behind cardiovascular disease ($5.9 billion), oral health ($5.3 billion) and mental disorders ($4.1 billion) (AIHW 2010). In 2007-08 there were 421,000 hospitalisations due to musculoskeletal conditions (AIHW 2010).
Arthritis is a long-term condition marked by inflammation of the joints which often causes pain, stiffness, and disability. The most common forms of arthritis are:
- Osteoarthritis: a degenerative condition caused by wear of the cartilage which overlies the ends of the bones in a joint. Its main symptoms are joint pain, swelling and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: an inflammatory autoimmune disease which can affect many organs of the body as well as the joints. It can cause joint pain and swelling, often leading to deformity and disability.
Osteoporosis is a condition where a loss of bone density and decreased strength of the skeleton results in an increased risk of fracture. The prevalence of osteoporosis is thought to be underestimated in Australia because, due to its lack of signs and symptoms, it often goes undiagnosed until a fracture occurs. Fractures as a result of trauma that would not cause normal bone to break, for example falls from standing height or minor bumps, are often the first sign of osteoporosis. The risk of further fractures increases with each fracture. Osteoporotic fractures, especially hip and pelvic fractures, are associated with an increased risk of death in following years. About 24% of people who sustain a hip fracture are estimated to die in the following 12 months (AIHW 2008, 2011).
Arthritis and musculoskeletal disease was identified as either an underlying or associated cause of death for 6,400 (4.6%) deaths registered in 2009. Of all deaths due to arthritis or musculoskeletal disease in 2009, 71% were females (ABS Causes of Death, 2009).
AU — Perspectives on Education and Training: Pathways in Vocational and Higher Education, 2009
Perspectives on Education and Training: Pathways in Vocational and Higher Education, 2009
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
In recent years there has been increasing focus on raising the educational qualifications of Australia’s population to increase labour force productivity. Much of the focus has been on young people, but with an ageing workforce and an increasingly complex economy it has become necessary for governments to ensure that education pathways exist to allow individuals of all ages to acquire new skills and relevant qualifications. The result of this has been not only a rise in the overall qualification levels of the community but also a rise in the proportion of the population with multiple qualifications. Between 2001 and 2009 the proportion of people aged 25-64 years in Australia with at least one qualification increased from 54% to 62%, and the proportion with multiple qualifications rose from 20% to 25%.
This analysis uses data from the ABS 2009 Survey of Education and Training to investigate the levels at which qualifications were first attained and the subsequent education pathways people undertook in attaining multiple qualifications. The analysis focuses on people aged 25-64 years.
AU — Perspectives on Sport
Perspectives on Sport
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
From In this issue:
Perspectives on Sport is a series of short articles on topics of interest relating to sport and physical recreation using data sourced from a range of ABS surveys.
This is the sixth issue of Perspectives on Sport. Future releases will feature articles on topics that are current in the media and of interest to the community using survey data as it becomes available. In most cases the data presented will be current, however, it is recommended that users check for more recent releases through the ABS website by going to the Culture and Recreation Topics @ a Glance page.
AU — Reflecting a Nation: Stories from the 2011 Census
Reflecting a Nation: Stories from the 2011 Census
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
From About this Release:
Presents commentary and statistical analysis using data from the 2011 Census. Will also feature several historical articles, focussing on the 100 years of Census, from 1911 to 2011. Analysis will be included on the following broad areas of interest: population; cultural diversity; living arrangements; community; education; work; and housing. Articles will be released progressively, with historical articles commencing early in 2011 and analytical outputs commencing in June 2012, when first data from the 2011 Census is released. Commentary will include a focus on the strengths of the population census, in relation to providing information on small population groups and small geographic areas.
Australian Demographic Statistics, Dec 2010
Australian Demographic Statistics, Dec 2010
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
ESTIMATED RESIDENT POPULATION
- The preliminary estimated resident population (ERP) of Australia at 31 December 2010 was 22,477,400 persons. This was an increase of 325,500 persons since 31 December 2009 and 69,700 persons since 30 September 2010.
- The increase for the year ended 31 December 2010 was the lowest recorded since the year ended 31 December 2006 (316,200 persons).
- The preliminary natural increase recorded for the year ended 31 December 2010 (154,400 persons) was 1.8%, or 2,800 persons, lower than the natural increase recorded for the year ended 31 December 2009 (157,200 persons).
- The preliminary net overseas migration recorded for the year ended 31 December 2010 (171,100 persons) was 35%, or 93,100 persons, lower than the net overseas migration recorded for the year ended 31 December 2009 (264,200 persons).
POPULATION GROWTH RATES
- Australia’s population grew by 1.5% during the year ended 31 December 2010. The growth rate has been declining since the peak of 2.2% for the year ended 31 December 2008 and was the lowest growth rate since the year ended 30 September 2006.
- Natural increase and net overseas migration contributed 47% and 53% respectively to total population growth for the year ended 31 December 2010.
- All states and territories experienced positive population growth for the year ended 31 December 2010. Western Australia recorded the fastest growth (2.1%) and Tasmania and the Northern Territory the slowest (both 0.8%).
Characteristics of Australian Exporters, 2009-10
Characteristics of Australian Exporters, 2009-10
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
This publication provides an analysis of the number and characteristics of Australia’s exporters. Estimates on exporters of merchandise trade are compiled from data sourced from the Australian Customs Service (Customs) and from the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) Australian Business Register. Estimates on exporters of services are compiled largely from the ABS Survey of International Trade in Services (SITS).
