Australia Yearbook - 2009-10

Preface
Year Book Australia is the principal reference work produced by the Australian Bureau of
Statistics (ABS). It provides a comprehensive statistical picture of the economy and social
conditions in Australia. In addition, it contains useful information on Australia’s geography
and climate, the environment, government, international relations, defence, education, and
the health and welfare systems.
The first Official Year Book of the Commonwealth was published in 1908, although individual
Australian states and colonies had been producing year books for several decades previously.
Over more than 100 years, the ABS and its predecessor, the Commonwealth Bureau of
Census and Statistics, have maintained the tradition of publishing the Year Book. This is the
91st edition of Year Book Australia, and as with previous editions, feature articles are
included.
The world-wide Girl Guide movement celebrates its centenary this year. To commemorate
this, and to recognise the contribution that Guiding has made to the Australian community,
the Australian Government has designated 2010 the Year of the Girl Guide. Girl Guides
Australia gladly accepted the ABS's invitation to contribute to an article featured in this
edition of the Year Book.
The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed 2010 to be the International Year of
Biodiversity. The Department of the Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts, the
Australian Government agency with responsibility for coordinating Australia's involvement in
this International Year, has contributed an article that highlights the unique characteristics of
Australia’s biodiversity and explains the importance of Australia’s biodiverse environment to
individuals, society and the economy. Other articles are also presented consistent with this
theme.
The United Nations has also deemed 2010 to be the International Year for the
Rapprochement of Cultures and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship has
contributed an article on Australia’s cultural and linguistic diversity. This is supported by an
article from the Australian Institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies on the
languages of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Again, other articles consistent
with this theme, are presented in this edition.
I am very grateful to these agencies, and all other organisations, for their excellent
contributions. ABS products rely on information provided freely by individuals, businesses,
governments and other organisations; their continued cooperation is very much appreciated.
My thanks also go to the many ABS staff who contributed to the preparation and production
of Year Book Australia 2009–10.
Brian Pink
Australian Statistician
June 2010
Year Book Australia 2009–10
xv