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released: 24 Sep 2008 media release

Ensuring that children get the best possible start in life is a key priority for the Australian Government. This report delivers the latest and most reliable information on how, as a nation, we are faring according to key statistical indicators of child and youth health, development and wellbeing. The report covers children and young people aged 0-19 years, and includes indicators for the entire 0-19 year age range as well as indicators for three different stages of development: 1) infancy and early childhood; 2) school age childhood; and 3) adolescence. Information is presented on important issues such as mental health, disability, risk factors for chronic disease, mortality, education, homelessness, crime, jobless families and family economic situation. Particular attention is given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and youth, and to how Australia compares internationally. This is an essential resource for policy makers, researchers, practitioners and anyone interested in the progress of Australia's children and youth.

ISBN 978 1 74024 835 8; Cat. no. PHE 104; $30.00

printed copy

  • Publication

Full publication

Making progress: the health, development and wellbeing of Australia's children and young people (1.4MB PDF)1 

Making progress: the health, development and wellbeing of Australia's children and young people (1.8MB RTF) 

Making progress: the health, development and wellbeing of Australia's children and young people (187KB RTF zipped) 

Publication table of contents

Preliminary material (434KB PDF)

  • Title and verso pages
  • Foreword
  • Contents
  • How are Australia's children and young people faring?
  • Introduction

Body sections

Overarching indicators (0-19 years) (190KB PDF) 

  • Mortality
  • Disability
  • Jobless families
  • Family economic situation
  • Child abuse and neglect
  • Homelessness

Early childhood (0-4 years) (203KB PDF) 

  • Infant mortality
  • Teenage births
  • Birthweight
  • Breastfeeding
  • Childhood immunisation
  • Access to child care
  • Early childhood education

Childhood (5-12 years) (188KB PDF) 

  • Injury and poisoning
  • Chronic disease and mental health
  • Dental health
  • Physical activity/screen time
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Literacy and numeracy
  • Crime

Adolescence (13-19 years) (190KB PDF) 

  • Injury and poisoning
  • Mental health
  • Overweight and obesity
  • Substance use
  • Year 12 retention and completion
  • Youth participation
  • Crime

End matter (292KB PDF) 

  • Appendixes
    1. Mapping the indicators to Government priorities and reform
    2. About the data
  • Abbreviations
  • Acknowledgments
  • References

Notes and corrections

The current version of the publication is presented above.

Previous versions of files that have been updated or corrected are presented below.

  1. Amendments have been made to page 17 to reflect current Australian dietary guidelines in relation to breastfeeding (10 December 2008).
    • 'Exclusive' breastfeeding is defined as the infant receiving only breast milk and no other food or drink, including water, while 'fully' breastfeeding infants can receive other fluids such as juice or water. The Australian dietary guidelines for children and adolescents recommend exclusive breastfeeding of infants until around 6 months of age to achieve optimal growth, development and health.47 
    • Previous full publication (1.2MB PDF)

Recommended citation

AIHW 2008. Making progress: the health, development and wellbeing of Australia's children and young people. Cat. no. PHE 104. Canberra: AIHW.