National Indicator Catalogue (NIC)

The 2006 GSS collected data on a range of social dimensions from the same individual to enable analysis of the interrelationships in social circumstances and outcomes, including the exploration of multiple advantage and disadvantage experienced by that individual. The 2006 GSS is the second in the series, with the first GSS conducted in 2002. It is planned to repeat the survey at regular intervals (currently four-yearly). Each cycle of the GSS collects comparable information for the core dimensions to allow for analysis of changes over time. A flexible component is also included to collect additional information on emerging or important topics of social concern. The flexible component of the 2006 GSS included topics relating to social capital, voluntary work and category of visa held by Australian immigrants.

The 2006 GSS collected information about:

• demographic characteristics
• health and disability 
• housing  education
• employment
• income
• financial stress
• assets and liabilities
• information technology
• transport
• family and community involvement
• crime and feelings of safety
• attendance at culture and leisure venues
• sports attendance and participation
• social networks and social participation
• voluntary work
• visa category