The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) produces statistics on economic, social and demographic issues that affect all Australians.

Since December 2005, all statistics on www.abs.gov.au can be accessed free of charge.

The ABS recognises the important role that research and teaching play in helping the ABS fulfil its mission to encourage informed decision making, research and discussion within the government and the community.

The ABS undertakes a large number of statistical collections, ranging from periodic censuses and regular surveys to one-off collections addressing specific information needs.

Depending on the nature of the collection, this information may be available for areas as small as a postcode, or local government area, or for larger subdivisions of a state.

The ABS website contains a rich array of statistical information including publications, spreadsheets, multi-dimensional data sets, time series, and more.

Some of the highlights of the website include:.

National Statistics.

Key Australian statistics including population, CPI, labour force and national accounts.

Key Products.

Link to flagship compendium publications including YearBook Australia, Measures of Australia's Progress and Australian Social Trends.

Theme Pages.

Economy (includes Business Indicators, Finance, International Trade, National Accounts and Prices).

Environment and Energy.

Industry (includes Agriculture, Business and Construction, Mining and Manufacturing).

People (includes Ageing, Census, Crime and Justice, Health and Demography).

Regional (includes Regional Statistics and information about small areas or each state or territory).

Census information for 1996, 2001 and 2006.

Methods, Classifications, Concepts & Standards.

Directory of Statistical Sources, ABS papers and articles, time series analysis and many others.

Free email notification service.

Receive notification of new product releases by email.

Additional Research Resources.

In addition to its free statistics on the website, the ABS can also provide researchers with access to confidentialised unit record files for approved research purposes, and ABS data tailored to individual needs. These services incur a fee.

For further information about the ABS and its services please visit www.abs.gov.au or call 1300 135 070. Please email queries to client.services@abs.gov.au .