Summary

Following the success of the inaugural Australia’s welfare—in brief booklet in 2011, this edition is also accompanied by a mini report, available in print and on the AIHW website.

This report presents information on: population factors underpinning the demand for welfare services, particular needs and assistance provided to key groups, and the resourcing of welfare services in Australia. Finally, it ends with updated data for a range of indicators of Australia’s welfare. These measures provide an overview of the wellbeing of Australians across domains of healthy living, autonomy and participation, and social cohesion.

It also includes a summary of major recent or forthcoming data developments that will improve the coverage, timeliness and comparability of information. These developments will help improve our overall understanding of the need for welfare services, the way in which services are delivered, and the outcomes achieved.