Building on existing Australian social statistics, Australia’s Social Pulse measures changes over time in key social indicators across a range of domains. It also uses statistical analysis to investigate associations between outcomes and community, household, and individual characteristics to provide an in-depth understanding of the nation’s social pulse. The report examines key indicators across the following domains: education, employment, health, disability, living standards, housing and homelessness, social cohesion and life satisfaction.

Australia’s Social Pulse helps answer crucial questions such as ‘How is Australia tracking against key social issues? Who is faring well and who is faring poorly? How have outcomes changed over time, and for whom?’ This report is designed to be used across the social purpose sector and to help identify where initiatives, policies or investments are needed to improve social outcomes. It indicates areas or particular population cohorts in which innovation, investment or policy changes may be required in the future, and provides an almanac of how Australia is faring in some of the most important social areas.