Australian Social Trends draws on a wide range of data, sourced both from ABS and other agencies, to present a picture of Australian society. This publication aims to inform decision-making, research and discussion on social conditions in Australia. It covers social issues of current and ongoing concern, population groups of interest, and changes over time.

The recent economic downturn has resulted in an increased focus on Australia's labour market, and in particular on changes in unemployment, employment and the relationship to hours worked. While much of the recent interest has been on movements in the unemployment rate, there is considerable value in analysing other indicators, such as underemployment and hours...