Based on IBISWorld estimates, the industry gross product of the creative industries was around $31.1 billion in 2007-08.

This is a contribution to GDP of around 2.8 per cent, more than a number of traditional industries such as agriculture, communications and electricity, gas and water supply.

Over the three years to 2007-08, the creative industries grew at an average rate of 3.4 per cent in real terms, in line with the broader economy.

When viewed over a longer time period, the creative industries have grown at a significantly faster pace than the aggregate economy. Over the eleven years to 2007-08 the creative industries expanded at an average annual rate of 5.8 per cent, compared to average GDP growth of 3.6 per cent over that period.

According to the 2006 Census, there were around 288 000 people employed in the creative industries, or around 3.2 per cent of total employment. Based on more recent IBISWorld estimates, there were around 317,000 people employed in the creative industries in 2007-08.

According to the 2006 Census, there were around 278 000 people employed in creative occupations, around 3.1 per cent of total employment.

Using the creative trident approach increases the estimates of the creative workforce significantly to around 438 000, or 4.8 per cent of total employment.

Those employed in the creative industries tend to have higher incomes than average.

Productivity growth in the creative industries was around the same as the broader economy over the three years to 2007-08.

Australia is net importer of creative content.

About this report

The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) and the Creative Industries Innovation Centre (CIIC) have engaged the CIE to conduct a study analysing the creative industries in Australia. The study aimed to develop a framework for defining and measuring the creative industries and provide a statistical summary of its economic dimensions.