Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research

The Bureau of Communications, Arts and Regional Research (BCARR) undertakes research and provides economic and data analysis on communications, arts, cities and regions to support evidence-based policy development and advice.

Select your area of interest below or explore our menu.

Communications

See our research and analysis of the communications and media sectors.

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Arts

View our research and analysis of the arts sector and cultural and creative parts of the economy.

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Regions and Cities

The economic and social characteristics of Australia’s regions and cities vary significantly. Our spatial research and analysis improves our understanding of these differences and enables location appropriate development.

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Data Dashboards

Our data dashboards provide an interactive way of monitoring, measuring, analysing, and generating insights from different datasets.

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What's new

25 Sep 2025

New data released on the value of Australia’s cultural and creative sector

Updated estimates of cultural and creative activity in Australia 2014-15 to 2023-24 have been released.

Six actors stand on a lit stage facing a seated crowd

19 Aug 2025

Research confirms the internet is near universal in Australia

New research on digital exclusion shows internet in Australia is almost universal, but some, particularly vulnerable groups, are still missing out.

A couple sitting on the couch using a tablet.

10 Dec 2024

Highlighting the value of our cultural and creative activity

The Australian Government has today released two reports highlighting the significant contribution the cultural and creative sector is making to the economy and examining its trends post-COVID.

19 Nov 2024

Bridging the digital divide: understanding First Nations Children's digital technology use

New research reveals important insights into the socioeconomic factors impacting First Nations’ childrens use of digital technologies.

Mother sitting on a couch with two children who are using electronic devices.

18 Sep 2024

Future of communications could be written in the stars with LEO satellites

LEO satellites expected to provide faster and more reliable communications

Publications

Estimates of labour productivity trends in Australian public and private broadcasting

estimates-of-labour-productivity-trends-in-australian-public-and-private-broadcasting.pdf (493.16 KB)

estimates-of-labour-productivity-trends-in-australian-public-and-private-broadcasting.docx (542.84 KB)

A background statistics paper that provides analysis of labour productivity estimates for public and private broadcasters between 2006-07 and 2016-17.

Cultural and creative activity in Australia 2008-09 to 2016-17

cultural_and_creative_activity_in_australia_2008-09_to_2016-17-2.pdf (1.83 MB)

cultural_and_creative_activity_in_australia_2008-09_to_2016-17-2.docx (1.86 MB)

An analysis showing cultural and creative activity contributed $111.7 billion to Australia’s economy in 2016-17. Cultural and creative activity relates to the arts, media, heritage, design, fashion and information technology.