Arabic version: مسح هيلدا يرصد تحولات في الحياة الأسترالية

According to ABC News, the 2024 release of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey offers a view of changes in Australian life since 2001. Researchers have followed more than 17,000 people across Australia each year, examining issues including parental leave, mental health, housing, income and relationships.

Paid parental leave has increased for both mothers and fathers across two surveys. In 2024, women took more than four months on average and fathers took four weeks. The report says men’s leave has increased faster than women’s, potentially reflecting the federal government’s extension of paid parental leave during the period.

Self-reported mental health has declined for women across most age groups since 2001, particularly women aged 15 to 24. Younger men also reported declining mental health over decades, although their levels were generally higher than women’s. Men aged 65 and over were the exception, reporting improved mental wellness.

The survey also found a greater share of young people living with parents. For 18- to 21-year-olds, the proportion reached 85 per cent. Average performance in two cognitive tests fell for Australians aged 15 to 24, while people aged 45 and older improved on average compared with 2012. The data still shows overall cognitive ability declines with age.

Income support receipt among 18- to 64-year-olds fell to about 13 per cent from 24 per cent in 2001, a change researchers link to tighter eligibility and employment growth. University degree attainment rose for all ages and genders, but faster for women. Average hourly earnings increased, while women continued to earn less on average than men. Housing stress was consistently highest for single parents with children and has recently risen for single older men and couples with children.