This paper describes and contrasts approaches that are typically employed to define and assess living standards and needs. The paper notes that because many aspects of living standards cannot be directly observed, research typically relies on one or more indicators of living standards. The most common of these in Australian research is income, and the...

Drawing on labour force data and previous research findings, this report explores poor labour force attachment among young people. It focuses particularly on the ‘not fully engaged’ (NFE) group of young people and its changing composition over the past decade. Alternative indicators that may better capture labour market disadvantage among young people are canvassed. The...

This report examines the structure and workforce of the Retail trade industry. Topics covered include: an industry overview; industry performance and trends; forms and conditions of employment; and earnings and wage instruments.The retail industry is relatively concentrated among large firms and profit margins are the lowest of any industry. On average, wages and salaries account...