How do I find statistics about Australia?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is the authoritative source for Australian statistics, and should be used in preference to newspaper articles and other less credible sources. 

The ABS database is available on the web free of charge.

There are several methods to finding statistical data on the ABS database:

• Click on the 'Statistics' heading on top menu toolbar
• Drill down to your subject using the left menu
• Use the search box at the top right.

For example, if you were looking for statistics about immunisation the most effective method is to:

1. Click on the 'Statistics' heading
2. Click on the 'Topics' button
3. Select 'Health' under the Population/People heading
4. Select 'Immunisation'.

This will contain statistics that you can view online, as well as spreadsheets and documents that you can download. For instance, if you are looking for immunisation rates in Australia you might find the Social Trends link useful. 

Note: The data may not be very current. Use what you have as a starting point and then try searching newspaper database for more recent information.

For other sources of statistics please consult the Subject Guide- Statistics & Data page specific to your academic discipline.