Community Attitudes Towards Privacy 2004

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3. PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS

Forty-nine percent (733) of interviews were conducted with men and fifty-one percent (774) with women.

The spread of respondents (18 years and over) across the 3 different household income groups is shown in the table below. While quotas were not set on the basis of this variable, a random sampling methodology should have ensured a representative sample across income. While sample figures for the highest income group closely reflect the percentages in the wider population, the lowest income group is somewhat under-represented, the middle income group is slightly over-represented. The 'can't say/refused' category, as in the 2001 study, is heavily over-represented - probably due to the subject matter of the questionnaire (i.e. a heightened sensitivity to giving out personal information). It is often difficult for respondents to estimate household income in the context of a telephone survey, and some respondents confuse pre and post tax income. However, some of the results in this report show a correlation to household income. Where such a correlation exists, please interpret figures with caution.

Table 3: Household Income

Would you mind telling me your household's TOTAL approximate annual income from all sources, before tax?
Household Income % of Sample
Less than $50 000 22
$50 000-$99 999 23
$100 000 or more 13
Can't Say / Refused 42

Base - All Respondents n=1,507

Two in three respondents worked in paid employment.

Table 4: Employment Status

Are you now in paid employment? Is that FULL-time for 35 hours or more a week, or part-time?
Employment Status % of Respondents
Work Full-Time 47
Work Part-Time 20
TOTAL NOW EMPLOYED 67
Retired 20
Student 4
Other Non Worker 10
TOTAL NOT EMPLOYED 33
Refused 0

Base - All Respondents n=1,507

Respondents had a wide variety of occupations.

Table 5: Occupation

What is your (last) occupation - the position and industry?
Occupation % of Respondents
Professional/ Managers/ Owners 24
Semi-Professional 9
Sales 6
Other White Collar 21
Skilled 15
Semi/ Skilled Worker 20
No Occupation 4

Base - All Respondents n=1,507

A wide variety of education levels was also evident.

Table 6: Education

What is the highest level of education you have reached?
Occupation % of Respondents
Primary School 1
Some Secondary School 7
Some Technical Or Commercial 1
Passed 4th Form/ Year 10 15
Passed 5th Form/ Year 11/ Leaving 9
Finished Technical School, Commercial College Or TAFE 9
Finished/ Now Studying H.S.C./ V.C.E./ Year 12 17
Diploma From C.A.E. 6
Some University/ C.A.E. 7
Degree From University Or C.A.E 27
Other 1

Base - All Respondents n=1,507

The majority of respondents were internet savvy, with 65% reporting that they use the internet at least once a week, and 66% reporting that they have internet access on a home computer.


^top : Last Updated : 27 October 2004