Australians' Use of Time, Albury-Wodonga and Melbourne, 1974

This study is a companion effort by the Cities Commission to the Multinational Time Budget Studies conducted in 1965 and 1966 in twelve European and American countries. Samples of the Albury-Wodonga and Melbourne populations were drawn to examine use of time in both a large and a small centre. The main topic of investigation was activity over a 24-hour period, its nature, duration, location and whether any others had participated. Interview questions also sought information on activities over a longer term. Background variables included occupation, including second job (if any), hours of paid work, whether shift work was involved, and details of journey to work, birthplace, parents' birthplace, marital status, home ownership, duration of residence at current address, locale of upbringing, places of residence since age 18, preferred community size, consumer durables including vehicles, telephone renting, use of paid domestic help, religious affiliation, library use, education, current educational activities, provision for retirement, household income and head of household income. Adult females were asked about housework including care of dependent household members, and the resultant amount and use of uncommitted time.