Find current and historical Australian industry information, including profiles, statistics, and sources of news.
IBISWorld is a prominent global research company that provides up-to-date market information and analysis on a wide variety of industries, companies and business sectors.Their collection of research reports are updated two-to-three times a year. State Library Victoria subscribes to the Australian content, which includes the modules below. Access to IBISWorld is provided for users' private research or study purposes only and not for users' business, commercial or work related purposes. Reports are unable to be downloaded. Can be accessed via any Library computer onsite, or offsite by registering as a member of the Library.
Market research can help organisations understand the market in which they operate, giving a better understanding of target audiences, innovative product and service developments and other ongoing and future trends. The following are reputable market research consultancy firms with Australian offices that conduct and publish industry research. While much of this is paid or commissioned, there are some articles and reports that are freely available on their websites, in most cases under an ‘Industry’ menu or submenu.
Other types of publications can provide information about an industry. These can by published by industry associations, governments, other professional bodies, or commercial publishers.
Directories provide a comprehensive listing of businesses that belong in the same industry.
Handbooks usually provide an overview of working in and engaging with an industry.
Yearbooks provide an insight into the achievements and significant events or changes that have occurred in an industry in the previous year, as well as including statistics and information on major players. The scope and depth will vary significantly depending on the industry.
Trade publications are aimed at professionals who work in an industry, keeping them informed of developments and changes in the sector, as well as providing targeted advertising. Usually published frequently (for example weekly, monthly).
State Library Victoria has an excellent collection of directories, yearbooks, handbooks and trade publications. Search the State Library's online catalogue by combining the name of an industry with the terms 'handbook', 'yearbook', 'directory', or ‘trade’. For example, mining.
The Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) was jointly developed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Statistics New Zealand in 1993 and revised in 2006. Its purpose is to allow for easier comparison of industry statistics between both countries as well globally. Businesses are classified according to their predominant activity.
The scheme has four levels, starting with a broad classification narrowing to the more specific. For example "Manufacturing" (ANZSIC Code C) includes:
"Food Product Manufacturing" (ANZSIC code 11)
