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Chapter 1
Introduction
The goal of the Australian transport statistics yearbook is to provide a comprehensive,
coherent summary of transport activity in Australia. A framework of time series
statistics was developed with this end in mind. A range of datasets are available to
populate the framework. Datasets that meet BITRE requirements for accuracy and
reliability are included; however, there are a number of areas of the framework where
suitable datasets are not currently compiled. These areas of unmet statistical demand
are highlighted in the section headed For Further Development.
As the focus is on long time series, the structure of this publication differs slightly
from the existing Australian transport statistics booklet and some statistics differ
between the two publications. Please see the End Notes for further information.
The framework
The framework for Australian transport statistics has five main components:
• the relationship between the transport industry and the rest of the Australian
economy
• transport infrastructure
• freight and passenger transport activity
• transport activity by mode of transport
• impacts of transport—transport safety and transport energy and the
environment.
Transport and the economy
Chapter 2 summarises key macroeconomic indicators that are likely to influence
transport activity. Where available, the contribution of the hire and reward transport
industry to the key macroeconomic indicator is provided. This chapter provides
estimates of production, employment, wages and salaries, prices, international trade,
interest rates, the Australian currency exchange rate and the Australian resident
population.
Transport infrastructure
Transport activity is dependent on access to infrastructure. Chapter 3 provides
estimates of the construction of transport infrastructure as well as measures of the
length of roads available for public use.
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