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The Living in Australia study
Welcome to the Living in Australia study for 2009.
The Living in Australia study began in 2001. 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. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your commitment to the Living in Australia study. This study is held in very high regard as seen by extensive coverage in the media and its wide use in publications. Message from the Project Director Message from the Project Director Dear Living in Australia study participant, 'Australia already owes a lot to the Living in Australia study members, and now, in 2009, we need you more than ever before.'
As you would be aware, the global economy got a serious shake-up during 2008. What this will mean for Australian families is unclear. On one hand, the doomsayers are predicting a major recession, with a massive jump in unemployment accompanied by dramatic decline in house prices. At the other extreme, there are many optimists who say that Australia is well placed to ride out this crisis. Our Government policy initiatives rely on up to date information about real Australian families and how they are being affected. This is where the Living in Australia study is likely to prove a blessing. To assess the effects that the financial crisis is having, and will continue to have in the future, requires knowledge about how Australians were coping in their every day life both before and after the crisis hit. Only the Living in Australia study provides this sort of information. Because you have been prepared to devote a small amount of your time each year to speaking to our interviewers, the Living in Australia study is well placed to help the Australian Government understand what living through more difficult economic times will mean for all different types of Australians.
• How have family budgets been changing? These are all questions that only the Living in Australia study can answer with any authority, so there’s really no question about it - Australia already owes a lot to the Living in Australia study members, and now, in 2009, we need you more than ever before. Professor Mark Wooden New logo
We have changed our logo. The Living in Australia study is often referred to as HILDA. This stands for the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) study. HILDA is often used by the media and politicians when they are referring to the data from the Living in Australia study. We hope that this information will help you recognise when your contribution is being used to shape our country. Health questions These health questions are designed to provide policy makers with information about Australians’ health needs. Please remember that any information you provide is completely confidential, however if you are uncomfortable answering any questions during the interview please let your interviewer know and they will simply skip the question. |
This year, the very serious issue of health is being tackled in the Living in Australia study. Some of these questions may be familiar to you from previous years, others are new.