HILDA comes of age
The HILDA Survey is currently collecting its seventh wave of data. The Australian Government's confidence in the survey's continuing effectiveness is evidenced by the recent 2007-08 Budget announcement. In this Budget, the Government committed to continue HILDA through Waves 9 to 12, with new funds of $20.9 million over the next four years. This decision reflects its long-term commitment to the panel study and HILDA is now classified as an ongoing program.
Further funding brings greater opportunity and challenges. At the recent HILDA Survey research conference, a panel discussed the future of HILDA and the lessons to be learned from other established international panels. This article provides a summary of the key points of the discussion.