Measuring What Matters

Source indicator: Life expectancy. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/healthy/life-expectancy. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricsLife expectancy at birthHealth‑adjusted life expectancy (HALE)Why this mattersIncreased life expectancy is one of the great success stories of the 20th century and has underpinned sustained improvements in the wellbeing of people's lives.Adjusting life expectancy by years spent in full or ill-health recognises the aspiration of people to not only maximise their lifespan, but to maximise their years of healthy life.ProgressLife expectancy at birthLife expectancy at birth decreased slightly in 2021-23, following on from a similar decrease in the previous period (2020-22).Life expectancy at birth was 81.1 years for males and 85.1 years for females, a slight decrease of 0.1 years for males and 0.2 years for females from the previous period.Over the past decade, life expectancy at birth increased by 1.0 years for males and 0.8 years for females.The difference in life expectancy between males and females is 4.0 years.Around 30 years ago (1993), life expectancy at birth was 75.0 years for males and 80.9 years for females, a gap of 5.9 years.Life expectancy estimates in 2021-2023 were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the death rate increased but was still lower than pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, the number of deaths increased by almost 20,000 deaths from 2021, with almost half of these being due to COVID-19. In 2023, 5,001 deaths were registered that were due to COVID-19, a decrease from 9,862 deaths in 2022.Health‑adjusted life expectancy (HALE)In 2024, health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) was:71.7 years for males, an increase from 71.2 years in 2018 and 69.4 years in 200373.8 years for females, an increase from 73.6 years in 2018 and 72.8 years in 2003.Between 2003 and 2024, the average proportion of life in full health changed little for males (from 89% to 88%) and decreased for females (from 88% to 86%).The life expectancy used to calculate HALE in 2024 was derived from the ABS provisional deaths and projected 2024 YLD rates.Differences across groupsA gap exists in life expectancy at birth between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people. In 2020-22, the life expectancy at birth for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was:71.9 years for males (8.8 years less than for non-Indigenous males)75.6 years for females (8.1 years less than for non-Indigenous females).Socioeconomic inequalities in life expectancy are also evident. Analysis of PLIDA data shown in the graph below shows:life expectancy in Australia is higher for people in more advantaged Index of Relative Socioeconomic Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD) decilesthe most disadvantaged deciles deviate the most from adjacent decileschanges over time in life expectancy across IRSAD deciles are similar to those observed in Japan and more favourable than in Canada, the UK, and the USA.Trends in life expectancy at birth across socioeconomic deciles, by sex (a)(b)Life expectancy was higher in each successively more advantaged decile. However, the most advantaged (D10) and the most disadvantaged (D1) deciles had the largest deviations from an adjacent decile.Life expectancy gradually improved throughout the pre-pandemic period in D5–D10, peaking at 87·3 years for females and 84·7 years for males in D10 in 2018–20. In contrast, life expectancy showed little improvement and even declined in more disadvantaged deciles (D1–D4) before 2016–18, after which the increase in life expectancy accelerated. In the later phase of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 onwards), the decline in life expectancy was observed in every decile, with the largest fall among females in the most disadvantaged areas.The female life expectancy in all deprivation deciles in Australia was between the levels observed in Japan (highest) and the USA (lowest). However, male life expectancy in the four most advantaged deciles was higher than in Japan. Life expectancy in each deprivation decile in Australia was higher than the national average in the USA for both females and males. The life expectancy ranking of the USA and the UK particularly worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.Socioeconomic deciles are based on the ABS Index of Relative Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD).For both males and females, life expectancy is highest among those in the most advantaged socioeconomic group (decile 10), and decreases progressively with each lower IRSAD decile, reaching its lowest in the most disadvantaged group (decile 1).Blue shading indicates the spread of life expectancy in Australia.Originally published in Timonin, S, Adair, T, Welsh, J, Canudas-Romo, V, (2025), 'Socioeconomic inequalities in life expectancy in Australia, 2013–22: an ecological study of trends and contributions of causes of death’, Lancet Public Health 2025, volume 10, e599-e608, accessed 7 July 2025.Data Source - Timonin, Sergey et al. (2025)DisaggregationFurther information about life expectancy and HALE is available in ABS Life expectancy 2021-2023, ABS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life expectancy 2020-2022, and the AIHW Burden of Disease Study 2024.Disaggregation available includes:AgeSexRemotenessIndex of Relative Socio-Economic Disadvantage.Post-release changes25 September 2025Health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) graph was updated to address a transposition error in the proportion of life in full health series.Source and related data links:ABS Life expectancy: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/life-expectancy/2021-2023average proportion of life in full health: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/australian-burden-of-disease-study-2024/contents/interactive-data-on-disease-burden/health-adjusted-life-expectancyAIHW Australian Burden of Disease Study: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/australian-burden-of-disease-study-2024/contents/interactive-data-on-disease-burden/health-adjusted-life-expectancylife expectancy at birth for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-life-expectancy/2020-2022Analysis of PLIDA data: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(25)00138-0/fulltextABS Index of Relative Advantage and Disadvantage (IRSAD): https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/socio-economic-indexes-areas-seifa-australia/2021'Socioeconomic inequalities in life expectancy in Australia, 2013–22: an ecological study of trends and contributions of causes of death: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(25)00138-0/fulltextTimonin, Sergey et al. (2025): https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(25)00138-0/fulltextABS Life expectancy 2021-2023: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/life-expectancy/2021-2023#data-downloadsABS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander life expectancy 2020-2022: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-life-expectancy/2020-2022#data-downloadsAIHW Burden of Disease Study 2024: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/burden-of-disease/australian-burden-of-disease-study-2024/contents/interactive-data-on-disease-burden/health-adjusted-life-expectancy

Source indicator: Mental health. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/healthy/mental-health. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricsProportion of adults in the general population experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress as measured by the Kessler 10 (K10) Psychological Distress ScaleProportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults experiencing high or very high levels of psychological distress as measured by the Kessler 5 (K5) Psychological Distress ScaleWhy this mattersMental health is a state of wellbeing in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.One measure of the mental health and wellbeing of our population is psychological distress.ProgressAdults experiencing psychological distressIn 2022, the National Health Survey found 14% of people aged 18 years and over experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress - similar to 2017-18 (14%) and an increase from 2011-12 (11%).The 2020-22 National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic also found around 17% of people aged 16-85 years experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress.From 2026 onwards, this indicator will be updated annually with data from the expanded General Social Survey.Based on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). K10 is a useful measure of psychological distress which offers an indication of a limited aspect of the mental health and wellbeing of the population during the 4-week period prior to the measurement. Psychological distress is not a diagnostic of mental illness and may be impacted, in the short-term, by life stressorsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults experiencing psychological distressIn 2022-23, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey found that 3 in 10 (30%) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years and over experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the last 4 weeks, similar to 2018-19 (31%) and 2012-13 (30%).Based on the modified Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K5). K5 is a subset of questions derived from the K10 and is a useful measure of psychological distress. The K5 offers an indication of limited aspects of the mental health and wellbeing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population during the 4-week period prior to interview. Psychological distress is not a diagnostic of mental illness and may be impacted, in the short-term, by life stressors.In 2022-23, the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 18 years and over who experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in the last 4 weeks was:higher for females than males (36% compared with 24%)higher for people living in non-remote areas than people living in remote areas (31% compared with 24%)about the same for all age groups (18-24 years, 25-34 years, 35-44 years, 45-54 years, and 55 years and over).Analysis of the Mayi Kuwayu study found that in the period from 2018 to 2021, 42% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress. Psychological distress prevalence was higher for those experiencing everyday racial discrimination (49% compared with 32% for people who didn't experience everyday racial discrimination).Differences across groupsIn 2022, the National Health Survey found females aged 18 years and over were more likely to experience high or very high levels of psychological distress than males in the same age group (17% compared with 12%).DisaggregationFurther information about the proportion of people experiencing high psychological distress is available at the ABS National Health Survey, the ABS National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, and the ABS National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey.Disaggregation available includes:AgeSexRemoteness.Additional sourcesThurber KA, Brinckley M-M (Wiradjuri), Jones R (Palawa), Evans O (Gomeroi), Nichols K (Kungarakan), Priest N, Guo S, Williams DR, Gee GC, Joshy G, Banks E, Thandrayen J, Baffour B, Mohamed J (Narrunga Kaurna), Calma T (Kungarakan/Iwaidja), Lovett R (Ngiyampaa/Wongaibon), (2022), 'Population-level contribution of interpersonal discrimination to psychological distress among Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, and to Indigenous–non-Indigenous inequities: cross-sectional analysis of a community-controlled First Nations cohort study', The Lancet, 400(10368):2084-2094, accessed 15 August 2024.Source and related data links:Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/Kids Helpline: https://kidshelpline.com.au/Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/crisis-management13YARN: https://www.13yarn.org.au/Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-supportlist of services that can help you right now: https://headtohealth.gov.au/crisis-linksMental health: https://mindframe.org.au/glossary-of-terms#mental-health-related-termsNational Health Survey: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey/2022National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/2020-2022#data-downloadsABS National Health Survey - Table 1.3: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey/2022#data-downloadsNational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-survey/2022-23ABS National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey - Table 1.3: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-survey/2022-23#data-downloadsAnalysis of the Mayi Kuwayu study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0140673622016397?via%3DihubABS National Health Survey: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey/2022#data-downloadsABS National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/2020-2022#data-downloadsABS National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-survey/2022-23#data-downloadsPopulation-level contribution of interpersonal discrimination to psychological distress among Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, and to Indigenous–non-Indigenous inequities: cross-sectional analysis of a community-controlled First Nations cohort study: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01639-7

Source indicator: Prevalence of chronic conditions. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/healthy/prevalence-chronic-conditions. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricProportion of people with one or more selected chronic health conditionsWhy this mattersChronic conditions are an ongoing cause of ill health, disability and can limit the extent to which people can enjoy their lives, making them an important measure of national health and wellbeing in Australia.Chronic conditions generally have long-lasting and persistent effects and include conditions such as coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.ProgressThe prevalence of chronic conditions is increasing in Australia.In 2022, for people of all ages:50% had one or more selected chronic conditions, an increase from 47% in 2017-18 and 42% in 2007-0822% had two or more selected chronic conditions, an increase from 20% in 2017-18 and 17% in 2007-08.Selected chronic conditions consists of arthritis, asthma, back problems (dorsopathies), cancer (malignant neoplasms), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes mellitus, heart, stroke and vascular disease, kidney disease, mental and behavioural conditions and osteoporosis. Includes persons who have a current health condition which has lasted, or is expected to last, for 6 months or more; except for persons reporting diabetes mellitus and/or heart, stroke and vascular disease which are included irrespective of whether the condition is current and/or long-term. Multiple conditions belonging to the same condition type (e.g. mental and behavioural conditions) are treated as the one condition. For example, a person with anxiety and depression (and no other chronic condition) is treated as having one selected chronic condition.Some data for years prior to 2022 was obtained through a custom analysis of the National Health Survey 2007-08, 2011-12, 2014-15 and 2017-18.Differences across groupsIn 2022, the following population groups were more likely to have one or more selected chronic conditions:females (52%) compared with males (47%)people living in areas of most disadvantage (54%) compared with those living in areas of least disadvantage (44%)people living in outer regional and remote areas (57%) compared with people living in major cities (48%).DisaggregationFurther information about how the prevalence of chronic conditions differs across groups is available in ABS National Health Survey, 2022 and ABS National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2022-23.Disaggregation available includes:AgeSexIndex of Relative Socio-Economic DisadvantageRemotenessComorbidity.Source and related data links:Chronic conditions: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports-data/health-conditions-disability-deaths/chronic-disease/overviewABS National Health Survey 2022, Table 15.3: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey/2022#data-downloadsABS National Health Survey, 2022: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/national-health-survey/2022#data-downloadsABS National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2022-23: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-survey/2022-23

Source indicator: Access to health services. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/healthy/access-health-services. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricsCost: proportion of people who delayed or did not see a General Practitioner (GP) when needed due to cost at least once in the last 12 monthsCost: proportion of people who delayed or did not see a medical specialist when needed due to cost at least once in the last 12 monthsWait times: proportion of people who waited longer than they felt acceptable for an appointment with a GP at least once in the last 12 monthsWait times: proportion of people who waited longer than they felt acceptable for an appointment with a medical specialist at least once in the last 12 monthsWhy this mattersHealth services are those which prevent, diagnose, treat, and manage health conditions.While many factors determine accessibility, health service cost and wait times are two measures that provide an insight into how effectively Australia’s health services are operating.Other factors that can inhibit access include distance, availability of services, time pressures, language difficulties and a person’s understanding of their health care needs.ProgressDelaying or not using health services when needed due to costThe proportion of people who reported that cost was a reason for delaying or not seeing a GP or medical specialist when needed has increased over the last 10 years.In 2023-24:9% of people aged 15 years and over delayed or did not see a GP when needed due to cost, an increase from 7% in 2022-23, and 5% in 2013‑1410% of people aged 15 years and over delayed or did not see a medical specialist when needed due to cost, similar to 2022-23 (11%) and an increase from 8% in 2013‑14.Wait timesThe proportion of people who reported waiting longer than they felt acceptable for a GP or medical specialist appointment has also increased over the last 10 years.In 2023-24:28% of people aged 15 years and over reported waiting longer than they felt acceptable for a GP appointment, a decrease from 30% in 2022-23, and an increase from 23% in 2013-1429% of people aged 15 years and over reported waiting longer than they felt acceptable for a medical specialist appointment, similar to 2022-23 (28%), and an increase from 25% in 2013-14.Medical specialists provide services which are covered, at least in part, by Medicare (e.g. dermatologists, cardiologists, neurologists and gynaecologists).Differences across groupsDelaying or not using health services when needed due to costIn 2022-23, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey found that in the previous 12 months, 19% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people did not see a GP when they needed to due to cost.In 2023-24, the Patient Experiences Survey found that differences across groups were observed for those delaying or not using health services when needed due to cost:12% of females delayed or did not see a medical specialist when needed due to cost, compared with 7% of males11% of females delayed or did not see a GP when needed due to cost, compared with 6% of males10% of those with a long-term health condition delayed or did not see a medical specialist when needed due to cost, compared with 8% of those without a long-term health condition10% of those with a long-term health condition delayed or did not see a GP when needed due to cost, compared with 7% of those without a long-term health condition.Wait timesIn 2022-23, the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey found that in the previous 12 months, 47% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people did not see a GP when they needed to as the waiting time was too long or an appointment was not available at the time required.In 2023-24, the Patient Experiences Survey found that following groups were more likely to report waiting longer than they felt acceptable for a GP appointment:those living in outer regional, remote or very remote areas (36% compared with 26% of those living in major cities)females (32% compared with 24% of males)those with a long-term health condition (31% compared with 24% of those without a long-term health condition)people living in areas of most socio-economic disadvantage (30% compared with 24% of people living in areas of least disadvantage).The Patient Experiences Survey also found that the following groups were more likely to report waiting longer than they felt acceptable for a medical specialist appointment:females (31% compared with 26% of males)people living in areas of most socio-economic disadvantage (31% compared with 26% of people living in areas of least disadvantage)those with a long-term health condition (30% compared with 24% of those without a long-term health condition).DisaggregationFurther information on access to health services is available at ABS Patient Experiences, 2023-24 and ABS National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2022-23.Disaggregation available includes:AgeSexSelf-assessed healthWhether has a long-term health conditionIndex of relative socio-economic disadvantageRemoteness.Source and related data links:ABS Patient Experiences - Tables 4 and 10: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-services/patient-experiences/2023-24#data-downloadsNational Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-survey/2022-23Patient Experiences Survey: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-services/patient-experiences/2023-24ABS Patient Experiences, 2023-24: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-services/patient-experiences/2023-24ABS National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2022-23: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/national-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-health-survey/2022-23

Source indicator: Access to care and support services. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/healthy/access-care-and-support-services. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricsUnmet needs: proportion of people with disability (aged 0-64 years) who need more formal assistance than they are currently receivingUnmet needs: proportion of people (aged 65 years and over) living in households who need more formal assistance than they are currently receivingQuality: proportion of people with disability (aged 15–64 years) who were satisfied with the quality of assistanceQuality: proportion of people (aged 65 years and over) living in households, who were satisfied with the quality of assistanceWhy this mattersWhile there are many forms of care and support services in Australia, disability and aged care are two that many Australians will engage with at some time in their lives. Early childhood education and care is another important care and support service.Measuring levels of unmet need, as well as client and carer satisfaction is a key source of insight into the extent to which Australians have access to these services.ProgressUnmet needsIn 2022, of those people living at home:39.4% of people with disability aged under 65 years reported they needed more formal assistance than they were receiving.15.4% of people aged 65 years and over reported they needed more formal assistance than they were receiving.People with disability restricted to those aged 0-64 years.The selected metric for people aged 65 years and over only captures people living in households (i.e. persons who reside in a private dwelling or self-care retirement village), so excludes people living in residential aged care.Quality of care and supportIn 2022, a large proportion of people were satisfied with the quality of care and support they received. This included:76.8% of people aged 15-64 years who received formal disability support, consistent with the levels reported in 2018 and 2015 (76.6% and 78.7%).85.4% of people aged 65 years and older who received formal aged care services, similar to the level reported in 2018 (84.4%) and a decrease from the level reported in 2015 (89.2%).People with disability restricted to those aged 15-64 years.The proportion of people who are satisfied with the quality of assistance received from organised and formal services in the 6 months prior to the survey. The selected metric for people aged 65 years and over only captures people living in households (i.e. people who reside in a private dwelling or self-care retirement village), so excludes people living in residential aged care.DisaggregationFurther information about access to care and support services can be found at the Productivity Commission Report on Government Services 2025 and the ABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers 2022.Disaggregation available includes:AgeSexDisability statusActivity typeRemoteness.Source and related data links:care and support services: https://www.pmc.gov.au/resources/draft-national-strategy-care-and-support-economy/introduction-care-and-support-australiaProductivity Commission Report on Government Services 2025 - Tables 14A.27, 15A…: https://www.pc.gov.au/ongoing/report-on-government-services/2025/community-servicesProductivity Commission Report on Government Services 2025 – Tables 14A.56, 15A…: https://www.pc.gov.au/ongoing/report-on-government-services/2025/community-servicesProductivity Commission Report on Government Services 2025: https://www.pc.gov.au/ongoing/report-on-government-services/2025/community-servicesABS Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers 2022: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/disability/disability-ageing-and-carers-australia-summary-findings/2022#data-downloads

Source indicator: Feeling of safety. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/secure/feeling-safety. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricProportion of people who felt safe walking alone at night in their local areaWhy this mattersWellbeing is impacted by safety at home, online, at work, in the community and in the world. People who feel their safety is at risk may experience increased levels of stress, anxiety and vulnerability.A general measure which provides a sense of how safe people feel is whether they are comfortable to walk alone.ProgressAccording to the Mapping Social Cohesion Report, in 2024, 46% of women and 74% of men felt fairly safe or very safe walking alone at night in their local area. This was down from 2023 for both women (52%) and men (78%).Refers to the number of persons aged 18 years and over.Furthermore, in 2024, 36% of women were fairly or very worried about becoming a victim of crime in their local area, up from 32% in 2023 (for men, the figure was 26%, up from 22%).Data for this indicator was previously sourced from the National Survey of Community Satisfaction with Policing, as reported in the Productivity Commission Report on Government Services. Due to a change in collection methodology, this source is no longer expected to yield a national figure. However, the data showed that over the last decade from 2012-13 to 2022-23:the proportion of people who felt safe or very safe walking alone in their neighbourhood at night increased from 50% to 54%.feeling safe walking alone in the neighbourhood during the day remained relatively unchanged at 91%.Differences across groupsThe ABS Personal Safety Survey found that in 2021-22, 63% of women and 31% of men did not walk alone in their local area after dark. Of those who did not walk alone in their local area after dark, 37% of women and 9.2% of men did not because they felt unsafe.Of the women who did not walk alone in their local area after dark, the proportion who did not because they felt unsafe was higher for:women aged 18-24 years (52%) compared with all other age groupswomen who identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual or who used a different term such as asexual, pansexual or queer (53%) compared with women who identified as heterosexual (36%)women with disability (42%) compared with women without disability (33%)women living in an area in the lowest quintile (most disadvantaged) of the Index of Socio-Economic Disadvantage (46%) compared with all other quintiles.Note: While data for women who identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or who used a different term have been combined into a single output category, experiences may vary across each group.DisaggregationAnalysis on the relationship between feeling of safety and neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage and social cohesion (trust in others, belonging, social isolation, attitudes towards other religion groups) can be found on pages 86-87 of the 2024 Mapping Social Cohesion Report.Further information about how different groups experience feeling of safety walking alone in their neighbourhood is available in the ABS Personal Safety Survey summary results, and ABS General Feelings of Safety.Disaggregation available includes:SexAge groupSexual orientationDisability statusLabour force statusEducationCultural and language diversity: Country of birthRemotenessCapital city/balance of stateSocioeconomic status: Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage.Note: This data is sourced from the ABS Personal Safety Survey and is different to the source supporting the metric above.Source and related data links:Mapping Social Cohesion Report: https://scanloninstitute.org.au/mapping-social-cohesion-2024Scanlon Foundation Research Institute – 2024 Mapping Social Cohesion Report: https://scanloninstitute.org.au/mapping-social-cohesion-2024Report on Government Services: https://www.pc.gov.au/ongoing/report-on-government-services/2024/justice/police-services#victimisationABS Personal Safety Survey: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/general-feelings-safety/2021-22#walking-alone-in-the-local-area-after-dark2024 Mapping Social Cohesion Report: https://scanloninstitute.org.au/mapping-social-cohesion-2024ABS Personal Safety Survey: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/personal-safety-australia/latest-release#data-downloadsABS General Feelings of Safety: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/general-feelings-safety/2021-22#data-downloads

Source indicator: Experience of violence. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/secure/experience-violence. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricsProportion of people who experienced physical violence in the last 12 monthsProportion of people who experienced violence by an intimate partner in the last 12 monthsWhy this mattersA counterpart to feeling safe is being free from violence.Violence is where a person is harmed by another person. This takes on various forms, including but not limited to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and neglect.ProgressPhysical violenceIn 2021-22, the Personal Safety Survey found an estimated 6.1% of men (579,400) and 2.9% of women (283,400) experienced physical violence in the last 12 months. This is a decline from 2005 for both men (from 10%) and women (from 4.7%).The impact of COVID‑19 lockdowns should be taken into consideration when analysing changes to rates of violence over time.People aged 18 years and over.The 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey was conducted between March 2021 and May 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this time, government policies were in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including stay-at-home orders, border control measures, limits on gatherings, and social distancing rules. The survey results should be understood and interpreted within the broader context of the wide-ranging changes to everyday life during the pandemic.The ABS Crime Victimisation Survey also collects information about peoples’ experience of violence. Due to differences in methodology between the Personal Safety Survey and Crime Victimisation Survey, results should not be directly compared.According to ABS Crime Victimisation, Australia, between 2008-09 and 2023-24, the rate of physical assault and/or face-to-face threatened assault decreased from 6.0% to 3.4%, including:a decrease from 7.3% to 3.7% for malesa decrease from 4.8% to 3.0% for females.Intimate partner violenceIn 2021-22, the Personal Safety Survey found an estimated 1.5% of women (147,600) experienced intimate partner violence in the last 12 months, a decline from 2005 (2.3%).People aged 18 years and over.Includes cohabiting partner, boyfriend/girlfriend/date, and ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend. Ex-boyfriend/ex-girlfriend is included in the definition of intimate partner from 2016 onwards.The 2021-22 Personal Safety Survey was conducted between March 2021 and May 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this time, government policies were in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19, including stay-at-home orders, border control measures, limits on gatherings, and social distancing rules. The survey results should be understood and interpreted within the broader context of the wide-ranging changes to everyday life during the pandemic.Intimate partner violence statistics in 2021-22 for men has a high relative standard error and is considered too unreliable to measure changes over time.Emotional abuse by a partnerThe Personal Safety Survey 2021-22 also found that females (3.9%) were more likely than males (2.5%) to have experienced emotional abuse by a cohabiting partner in the last 12 months, both rates having decreased since 2016 (from 4.8% and 4.2% respectively).DisaggregationFurther information about experiences of violence in the last 12 months is available in ABS Personal Safety, Australia 2021-22 and ABS Partner Violence 2021-22.Disaggregation available includes:SexType of violenceSex of perpetratorRelationship to perpetratorFurther disaggregations available for experiences in the last two years include:AgeSexSexual orientationDisability statusFamily and housing characteristicsLabour force statusEducationCountry of birthLanguage characteristicsRemotenessFinancial stressSelf-assessed health statusIncomeSocio-economic disadvantage.ABS Crime Victimisation, Australia includes complementary statistics about people who experienced physical/threatened/sexual assault. Due to differences in methodology between the Personal Safety Survey and Crime Victimisation Survey, results should not be directly compared.Source and related data links:Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/Kids Helpline: https://kidshelpline.com.au/Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/crisis-management13YARN: https://www.13yarn.org.au/Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-supportlist of services that can help you right now: https://headtohealth.gov.au/crisis-linksPersonal Safety Survey: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/personal-safety-australia/2021-22ABS Personal Safety, Australia 2021-22 – Table 3.1: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/personal-safety-australia/2021-22#data-downloadsABS Crime Victimisation, Australia: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/crime-victimisation/2023-24Personal Safety Survey 2021-22: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/personal-safety-australia/2021-22ABS Personal Safety, Australia 2021-22: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/personal-safety-australia/2021-22ABS Partner Violence 2021-22: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/partner-violence/2021-22#data-downloads

Source indicator: Childhood experience of abuse. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/secure/childhood-experience-abuse. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricProportion of people who have experienced physical or sexual abuse before the age of 15 yearsWhy this mattersChildhood experience of abuse can severely impact upon mental health and health risk behaviours throughout a person’s life. The Australian Child Maltreatment Study 2023 found that people aged 16 years and above who experienced childhood maltreatment were 2.8 times more likely to experience a form of mental health disorder than those who had not experienced maltreatment. They were also 2.6 times more likely to have a severe alcohol use disorder.ProgressThe 2021-22 ABS Personal Safety Survey found that:14% of people aged 18 years and over experienced physical and/or sexual abuse by an adult before the age of 15females are more likely than males to have experienced abuse before the age of 15 (18% compared with 11%).Refers to the number of males/females aged 18 years and over who have experienced abuse by an adult before the age of 15, expressed as a percentage of all males/females aged 18 years and over.The ABS Personal Safety Survey (PSS) data represents historical experiences of childhood physical and/or sexual violence. It does not provide a current prevalence rate of child physical or sexual abuse and does not collect maltreatment data, such as neglect or emotional abuse.Note: Data represents lifetime experience and is not suitable for comparison over time.See the ABS Childhood abuse publication for more statistics about childhood physical/sexual abuse and witnessing parental violence, relationship to perpetrator, characteristics of the first incident and relationship between childhood experiences and partner violence and abuse.Source and related data links:Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/Kids Helpline: https://kidshelpline.com.au/Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/crisis-management13YARN: https://www.13yarn.org.au/Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-supportlist of services that can help you right now: https://headtohealth.gov.au/crisis-linksAustralian Child Maltreatment Study 2023: https://www.acms.au/resources/the-prevalence-and-impact-of-child-maltreatment-in-australia-findings-from-the-australian-child-maltreatment-study-2023-brief-report/ABS Personal Safety Survey - Table 1.3: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/personal-safety-australia/2021-22#data-downloadsABS Childhood abuse: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/crime-and-justice/childhood-abuse/2021-22

Source indicator: Online safety. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/secure/online-safety. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricProportion of people who have experienced online harm or negative content in the last 12 monthsWhy this mattersOnline safety is increasingly important as operating in an online space is the norm for most people and affects many aspects of people’s lives.ProgressNegative online experiences can come in a variety of forms, including being sent unwanted content, scams, impersonation, and offensive communication.The eSafety Commissioner Adults’ negative online experiences 2022 survey found that amongst adults aged 18 years and over, in the previous 12 months to November 2022:70% had at least one negative online experience31% were sent unwanted inappropriate content31% had things said to them to provoke a response or start an argument26% had their accounts accessed without consent25% were called offensive names.The Australian Institute of Criminology’s Cybercrime in Australia 2024 survey also collected information on peoples’ experiences of victimisation online. Using online panels of Australians aged 18 years and over, the 2024 survey found that in the previous 12 months:47% experienced at least one type of cybercrime27% experienced online abuse and harassment21% experienced malware22% experienced identity crime and misuse9.5% experienced fraud and scams.This graph does not display the full list of negative online experiences. For the full list, see the report on Adults' negative online experiences.Does not include experiences with scams, online fraud, or device virus/malware.The eSafety Commissioner Adults’ negative online experiences 2019 survey found that amongst adults aged 18 to 65 years, 67% had at least one negative online experience in the 12 months prior. These results are not directly comparable to the 2022 survey due to differences in both the population and the list of experiences included.Differences across groupsThe 2022 Adults’ negative online experiences survey found the following groups were more likely to have had at least one negative online experience in the previous 12 months:Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander adults (86%)adults who identified as LGBTQI+ (83%)adults with disability (79%)linguistically diverse adults (76%).The 2024 Cybercrime in Australia survey also reported differences across groups. Respondents aged 18 to 24 years were the most likely to experience online abuse and harassment (38%) and respondents aged 65 years and over were least likely (20%).Prevalence of online abuse and harassment was also higher for:men than women (28% compared with 25%)Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (43% compared with 26%)people who identified as LGB+ (39% compared with 26%)people with a restrictive long-term health condition (44% compared with 25%).The following groups were more likely to experience identity crime and misuse:Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (36% compared with 21%)people who mainly spoke a language other than English at home (26% compared with 22%)people with a restrictive long-term health condition (33% compared with 21%).DisaggregationFurther information about peoples’ negative experiences online is available in eSafety Commissioner’s Adults’ negative experiences online 2022 survey and Australian Institute of Criminology’s Cybercrime in Australia 2024 survey.Disaggregation available includes:AgeGenderIndigenous statusSexual orientationCultural and linguistic diversityHealth statusRelationship statusParental characteristicsEmployment characteristicsIncome.Source and related data links:eSafety Commissioner Adults’ negative online experiences 2022 survey: https://www.esafety.gov.au/research/australians-negative-online-experiences-2022Australian Institute of Criminology’s Cybercrime in Australia 2024 survey: https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/sr/sr53Adults' negative online experiences: https://www.esafety.gov.au/research/australians-negative-online-experiences-2022eSafety Commissioner, Adults' negative online experiences, 2022: https://www.esafety.gov.au/research/australians-negative-online-experiences-2022eSafety Commissioner Adults’ negative online experiences 2019 survey: https://www.esafety.gov.au/research/adults-negative-online-experiences2022 Adults’ negative online experiences survey: https://www.esafety.gov.au/research/australians-negative-online-experiences-20222024 Cybercrime in Australia survey: https://www.aic.gov.au/publications/sr/sr53eSafety Commissioner’s Adults’ negative experiences online 2022 survey: https://www.esafety.gov.au/research/australians-negative-online-experiences-2022

Source indicator: National safety. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/secure/national-safety. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricProportion of Australians who feel safe or very safe based on views of world eventsWhy this mattersGlobal interconnectedness has amplified the impact of regional and global events on the individual and collective wellbeing of Australians. While Australians have significantly benefitted from globalisation, it has increased our vulnerability to shocks from world events, including conflict, pandemics, and economic recessions.ProgressIn 2025, 51% of people aged 18 years and over reported feeling safe or very safe based on views of world events, compared with a rate of 91% in 2005.Since 2020, very low proportions of people have reported feeling very safe.In 2019, the Lowy Institute Poll transitioned from a telephone-based survey to a predominantly online-based survey. For more information, see the Lowy Institute Poll 2025 methodology.Differences across groupsIn 2025, the proportion of people who reported feeling safe or very safe based on views of world events was:52% for males and 50% for females51% for those with low income, 49% for those with middle income and 53% for those with high income43% for people aged 60 years and over 50% for all other age groups.DisaggregationFurther information on national safety is available from Lowy Institute Poll 2025 – ‘Feelings of safety’.Disaggregation available includes:Age groupGenderRemotenessRegionEducational attainmentIncomeCultural and language diversity: Birthplace of person and of parents.Please note that for the cultural and language diversity disaggregation, some of the data may be drawn from a sample of less than 100 respondents. When a small base is used, the margin of error may be very large and should not be used to draw general conclusions about this population.Source and related data links:Lowy Institute Poll 2025 methodology: https://poll.lowyinstitute.org/report/2025/methodology/#reportLowy Institute Poll 2025 - 'Feelings of safety': https://poll.lowyinstitute.org/charts/feeling-of-safety/Lowy Institute Poll 2025 – ‘Feelings of safety’: https://poll.lowyinstitute.org/charts/feeling-of-safety/

Source indicator: Access to justice. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/secure/access-justice. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricIndex of Australia’s performance in providing accessible and affordable civil courts and alternative dispute resolution mechanismsWhy this mattersFair and equal access to justice is critical for people's rights, freedoms, and their ability to pursue lives which enhance their wellbeing.ProgressThe World Justice Project Rule of Law Index® scores countries on adherence to the rule of law on a range of factors, including civil justice. Scores range from 0 to 1, with 1 indicating the strongest adherence to the rule of law.In 2024:Australia scored 0.57 for Subfactor 7.1 of the index, indicating moderate performance in how well people can access and afford civil justice, compared with 0.50 in 2015.Australia scored 0.80 for Subfactor 7.7 of the index, indicating strong performance in the accessibility, impartiality, and effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, compared with 0.90 in 2015.Source and related data links:World Justice Project Rule of Law Index®: https://worldjusticeproject.org/rule-of-law-index/country/2024/Australia/Civil%20Justice/World Justice Project Rule of Law Index®, accessed 04/03/25: https://worldjusticeproject.org/rule-of-law-index/country/2024/Australia/Civil%20Justice/

Source indicator: Making ends meet. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/secure/making-ends-meet. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricsProportion of households who experienced a cash flow problem in the last 12 monthsProportion of households unable to raise $2,000 when neededWhy this mattersFinancial security is an important determinant of personal wellbeing.Financial stress indicators can provide an indication of how many Australians lack financial security.ProgressCash flow problemsIn 2023-24, the household saving ratio decreased to 2.5% from 3.8% in 2022-23, reflecting the need for households to draw down on their savings as the rise in nominal household consumption outpaced growth in gross disposable income.Supplementary data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey shows that in 2023, 28% of households had at least one person reporting a cash flow problem in the 12 months prior. This was up from 24% in 2022, but relatively unchanged from 27% in 2020.In 2020, the ABS General Social Survey found that 21% of households had at least one cash flow problem in the 12 months prior, compared with 19% of households in 2006.From 2026 onwards, this indicator will be updated with data from the expanded General Social Survey.There were a number of questionnaire changes from 2014 to 2019 that should be considered when analysing change between these two periods. A summary of these changes is available in General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia methodology.Care must be exercised when making comparisons between 2020 and previous years due to the higher non-response observed in 2020.Supplementary data is custom analysis of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics (HILDA) survey, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and managed by the Melbourne Institute. Results are presented at the household level, where a household is included if any member aged 15 years or over experienced one or more cash flow issues.Cash flow questions were not asked in wave 10 (2010) of the HILDA survey.Inability to raise emergency fundsIn 2020, 19% of households reported being unable to raise $2,000 for something important within a week, compared with 15% in 2006.Supplementary data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey shows that the proportion of households with at least one person unable to raise emergency funds was relatively unchanged between 2020 and 2023 (27% in both years).From 2026 onwards, this indicator will be updated with data from the expanded General Social Survey.There were a number of questionnaire changes from 2014 to 2019 that should be considered when analysing change between these two periods. A summary of these changes is available in General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia methodology.Care must be exercised when making comparisons between 2020 and previous years due to the higher non-response observed in 2020.Supplementary data is custom analysis of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and managed by the Melbourne Institute. Results are presented at the household level, where a household is included if any member aged 15 years or over would be unable to raise funds.The HILDA survey has updated reference amounts asked: waves 1-8: $2,000; waves 9-19: $3,000; waves 20+: $4,000.DisaggregationFurther information on how household finances differ by family composition of household is available in ABS General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia.Source and related data links:household saving ratio: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/national-accounts/australian-system-national-accounts/2023-24#key-statisticsHousehold, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey: https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/hildaABS General Social Survey: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/general-social-survey-summary-results-australia/2020General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia methodology: https://www.abs.gov.au/methodologies/general-social-survey-summary-results-australia-methodology/2020#history-of-changes:~:text=and%20later%20iterations.-,Questionnaire%20changes%20from%202014%20to%202019,-There%20were%20noHousehold, Income and Labour Dynamics (HILDA) survey: https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/hildaABS General Social Survey - Table 16.1: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/general-social-survey-summary-results-australia/2020#data-downloadsABS General Social Survey: Summary Results, Australia: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/people-and-communities/general-social-survey-summary-results-australia/2020#data-downloads

Source indicator: Homelessness. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/secure/homelessness. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricRate of people who are experiencing homelessnessWhy this mattersHomelessness occurs when a person does not have secure access to adequate housing. This includes people whose living arrangement:is in a dwelling that is inadequatehas no tenure, or if their initial tenure is short and not extendabledoes not allow them to have control of, and access to space for social relations.ProgressData from the 2021 Census shows that more than 122,000 people in Australia experienced homelessness on Census night. The rate of homelessness increased to 48 per 10,000 in 2021, from 45 in 2006.The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Specialist Homelessness Services Collection shows that in 2023-24, around 280,000 clients were assisted by specialist homelessness agencies (105.1 per 10,000), an increase from 274,000 in 2022-23 (105.2 per 10,000). At the same time, unassisted requests increased to around 110,000 in 2023-24, up from 108,000 in 2022-23.Differences across groupsIn 2021:males were more likely to be experiencing homelessness than females (55 per 10,000 males compared to 42 per 10,000 females)the rate of homelessness for females had increased between 2006 and 2021 (from 38 per 10,000 females to 42 per 10,000 females)91 per 10,000 people between 19 and 24 years old were experiencing homelessness307 per 10,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were experiencing homelessness1 in 7 people experiencing homelessness were aged under 12 (48 per 10,000 people).The 2021 Census was conducted at the height of the COVID pandemic. This may affect the measure of homelessness. States and territories in Australia were under varied COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, and state and territory governments were actively working with homelessness service providers to give temporary accommodation to people sleeping rough to prevent the spread of COVID-19.DisaggregationFurther information about different experiences of homelessness is available in ABS Estimating Homelessness: Census 2021.Disaggregation available includes:AgeSexIndigenous statusGeography.Source and related data links:Homelessness: https://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/mf/4922.02021 Census: https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/nearly-1-200-people-homeless-census-night-2021Specialist Homelessness Services Collection: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual-report/contents/aboutunassisted requests: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/homelessness-services/specialist-homelessness-services-annual-report/contents/unassisted-requests-for-servicesABS Estimating Homelessness: Census 2021: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing/estimating-homelessness-census/2021#data-downloadsABS Estimating Homelessness: Census 2021: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/housing/estimating-homelessness-census/2021

Source indicator: Housing serviceability. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/secure/housing-serviceability. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricProportion of housing costs to household gross income, by tenure typeWhy this mattersBeyond homelessness, another way of measuring housing stress is serviceability. A range of data is useful for measuring housing serviceability as people rent, buy or access housing in a variety of ways.ProgressThe rate of annual growth in rental prices has slowed from a peak of 7.8% in March quarter 2024, with a 4.5% rise over the 12 months to the June quarter 2025. The easing in annual rental price growth reflects stable vacancy rates and slowing growth in advertised rents across most capital cities. The rate of annual growth in rental prices has also been moderated by an increase in the maximum rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance (CRA), reducing the amount of rent payable by eligible tenants.Throughout the year to the June quarter 2025, mortgage interest charges rose by 4.5% for employee households. Annual growth for mortgage interest charges has continued to slow, down from a peak of 91.6% in the year to the June quarter 2023.Housing costs as a proportion of household gross income increased between 2022 and 2023 for owners with a mortgage (from 14% to 16%).Between 2003 and 2023, housing costs as a proportion of household gross income has:remained similar for households renting from private landlords (from 19% to 20%)remained similar for households renting from a state or territory housing authority (from 16% to 19%)remained similar for owners with a mortgage (16% in both years).HILDA results are custom analysis of the HILDA survey, funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services and managed by the Melbourne Institute. Housing costs presented only include mortgage and rent payments, other costs such as rates or body corporate charges are not included.Differences across groupsIn 2023, the proportion of housing costs to household gross income varied by family composition. The share of household income allocated to housing costs was:higher for single parent households (22%) than for couple only households (15%) for owners with a mortgagehigher for lone person households (26%) than for couple only households (16%) for renters.DisaggregationFurther information on housing costs as a proportion of gross household income is available in each annual HILDA Statistical Report.Source and related data links:rental prices: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/consumer-price-index-australia/jun-quarter-2025mortgage interest charges: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/selected-living-cost-indexes-australia/jun-2025HILDA survey,: https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/hildaHousehold, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey: https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/hildaHILDA Statistical Report: https://melbourneinstitute.unimelb.edu.au/hilda/publications/hilda-statistical-reports

Source indicator: Emissions reduction. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/sustainable/emissions-reduction. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricsNet greenhouse gas emissionsRenewable share of electricity generationWhy this mattersAction to achieve net zero emissions will help prevent the worst impacts of climate change. Australia, along with all parties to the Paris Agreement, has committed to the global goal of holding the increase in global average temperatures to well below 2°C of warming and pursuing efforts to keep warming to less than 1.5°C.Australia is among the countries best positioned to benefit from the transformation to a net zero emission economy. Our abundance of sun, wind and land means Australia can generate large volumes of electricity to power our homes and industries, and to export. Reducing emissions and growing new low-carbon industries will be key to realising this economic opportunity.ProgressNet greenhouse gas emissionsIn the year to December 2024:annual net greenhouse gas emissions were 446.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (Mt CO2-e). This is 27% below emissions in the year to June 2005 (the baseline year for Australia's 2030 target under the Paris Agreement).annual net greenhouse gas emissions were essentially flat compared with the previous year, increasing by 0.05% (0.2 Mt CO2-e) compared with 2023.Net emissions estimates are compiled using methods consistent with UNFCCC and Paris Agreement requirements, and the latest information available at the time of compilation.Data is year to December.Renewable share of electricity generationIn the 2023-24 financial year, 35% of electricity generated was from renewable energy, an increase from 8.2% in 2003-04.The increase was driven by electricity generated from wind (11%, up from 0.3% in 2003-04), and solar (17%, up from less than 0.1% in 2003-04).Source and related data links:Australia's 2030 target under the Paris Agreement: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/international-climate-actionDCCEEW National Greenhouse Gas Inventory Quarterly Update: December 2024: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/publications/national-greenhouse-gas-inventory-quarterly-update-december-2024DCCEEW Australian Energy Statistics, Table O, June 2025: https://www.energy.gov.au/publications/australian-energy-statistics-table-o-electricity-generation-fuel-type-2023-24-and-2024

Source indicator: Air quality. Source: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/sustainable/air-quality. Retrieved 2026-10-11.Source definitions, findings, breakdowns and qualifications:MetricAnnual average exposure to outdoor air pollution of PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less)Why this mattersClean air is critical to a healthy population. There is a strong body of evidence that long term exposure to PM2.5, even at low concentrations, can cause a range of adverse health effects including cardiovascular and respiratory disease, reduced lung function, cancer, and reduced life expectancy.ProgressThere are geographical limitations on measuring air quality so it is challenging to draw broad conclusions.In 2023-24, annual average concentrations of PM2.5 were lower at 30 of the 37 monitoring stations for which data was available for both 2017-18 and 2023-24.Air quality was negatively impacted by the Black Summer bushfires which caused a spike in PM2.5 particles in 2019-20.Data DownloadsAir quality - micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metreAir quality - micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metreSource: National Environment Protection Council, National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure, and unpublished data.Note: Data for Victoria not yet provided for 2021-22 and 2022-23.FootnoteThe data is sourced from jurisdictional monitoring undertaken in compliance with the National Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure. The NEPM includes technical, performance and location requirements that must be met by monitoring stations. Data is made public annually in National Environment Protection Council annual reports, however only data up until the 2018-19 period is publicly available at present. The subsequent data sets are unpublished and have been sourced directly; these are expected to be publicly available in the near future.Source and related data links:evidence that long term exposure to PM2.5: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/natural-environment-and-health#_Toc30497545Download xlsx [34.98 KB]: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/sustainable/air-quality/MWMDC01.xlsxNational Environment Protection (Ambient Air Quality) Measure: https://www.nepc.gov.au/nepms/ambient-air-qualityNational Environment Protection Council annual reports: https://www.nepc.gov.au/publications/annual-reports