Welcome to the Living in Australia study for 2008.

The Living in Australia study began in 2001, and is sometimes referred to in the media as the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia study (HILDA). In this study we collect and analyse information from thousands of different families and individuals across Australia. We ask questions about life in Australia including your employment, family relationships, education and wellbeing.

The information that you provide is leading the way to a better understanding of the economic and social factors that affect all our lives.

2008 sees the return of the questions on family issues.

This topic was last included in the study in 2005 and again some of the questions are part of an international research project coordinated by the United Nations. Another topic also returning from 2005 asks about your intentions and plans for the next three years. New questions added to the study this year focus on parents, other members of your family, and grown-up children.

By taking part in this study, you are having a vital and long term impact on Australia's future.

The Living in Australia study is the only one of its kind that provides regular information on the economic and social welfare of Australians over time. The study adheres to strict statistical procedures which mean that we cannot replace you – therefore you represent a very important voice in Australian society.

Even if nothing has changed for you, we still want you to take part since no change is just as important as change. Every year that you and other households respond, the more valuable the study becomes and the more powerful it is in influencing decision making.

The USA, Germany, Canada, Britain, Israel, Sweden, Korea, Japan, Indonesia and Belgium all have similar long term studies. The value this has brought to these countries is considerable. Your participation will ensure Australia can also benefit.

Thanks to your input we now have information on topics such as:

• Happiness
• Planning for our ageing population
• How smoking bans have affected the health and smoking behaviour of Australians
• Explaining unemployment in Australia
• The impact of long working hours
• The reasons for Australia's declining birthrate
• The personal and national costs of mental illness
• The division of household chores between men and women
• The effect of part-time work on families and women's careers
• Childcare: accessibility and who uses it
• The effect of household debt on Australians
• Maternity leave arrangements available to Australian women
• The impact of separation and divorce on income
• Life and job satisfaction of Australians
• How health influences the ability to work

Results from the Living in Australia study are making headlines. You may not have recognised it straight away as the researchers using the information refer to the study as the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia study (HILDA study). 

The main topics covered in the articles published recently include: