The Albanese Labor Government is providing $29.5 million to the Melbourne Institute to continue its research into Australian households.
The Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey is a longitudinal study collecting information about economic and personal wellbeing, work and education experiences and family life from over 17,000 Australians each year.
HILDA is the only study of its kind in Australia. By following the same participants over the course of their lifetime it reveals how life in Australia has changed over time.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the data has underpinned and informed many government programs and policies since its commencement in 2001 and the funding extension would allow the Melbourne Institute to continue the important study.
“With this extension, we will gain another two years of evidence and insights to help us understand the prevalent and emerging everyday issues affecting the wellbeing of Australians,” Minister Rishworth said.
“This research is vital in assisting us to create government policies that target need and to plan for Australia’s future. It provides a critical evidence base to inform decisions across social services policies and programs and to tackle disadvantage.
“The contract extension continues a long and successful partnership between the Melbourne Institute and the Federal Government that has been instrumental in establishing HILDA as one of the world’s pre-eminent longitudinal studies.”
Professor A. Abigail Payne, Director at the Melbourne Institute, expressed the pride the Melbourne Institute felt in being involved in HILDA and thanked the HILDA families for their important contribution.
“For more than 20 years, the HILDA team has shown consistent leadership and expertise that are critical components for delivering data that have been extensively used to inform practice and policy in Australia,” Professor Payne said.
“Yet, HILDA is what it is because of the time and commitment of the families that participate in the survey.”
