Australian Relationships Indicators

Relationships Australia provides counselling and education services for people wanting to improve their relationships. This survey information is used to plan and develop relationship enhancement services.

For further information about the survey, please contact Relationships Australia (email:  National Office).

Latest Survey (2006)

The Relationships Indicators Survey 2006 contains the findings from interviews conducted with 1,200 people aged 18 or over in all states and territories of Australia about their relationships.  This year the survey results are divided into six broad topics:- (1) relationships today, (2) the state of Australian relationships, (3) marriage and divorce, (4) balancing work and family, (5) relationship support, and (6) technology and relationships.

Key themes emerging from the survey are:

• Life long companionship is what Australians most want from their relationships.
• Australians are generally optimistic about the future of the relationship they enjoy with their spouse/partner.
• Australians overwhelmingly look to family for a sense of self-identity, but also increasingly view work and money as important.
• Lack of time to spend together is the biggest negative influence on partner relationships.
• More flexible working hours is the factor that would most help respondents to better balance their work and family life.
• New communications technology is having a largely positive impact on relationships.
• Professional relationship support services are increasingly accepted in the community.
• Younger Australians tend to place greater importance on earning a lot of money and paid employment, but also attach very high importance to family and friends. 
  

2006 Survey Summary
2006 Survey Full Report

Previous Surveys

2003 Survey Summary
2003 Survey Full Report  
2001 Survey Summary
1998 Survey Summary

Note: All of the above documents are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader software.

Please do not use this research without approval from Relationships Australia
(email: National Office)