This paper presents an analysis of fixed-term employment in Australia or 3.3 per cent of employed persons in 2000. It finds that fixed-term employees are largely concentrated in Education (30 per cent of fixed-term employees in August 1998), Health and community services (18 per cent) and in the occupational category of Professionals (44 per cent). Just over 50 per cent worked in the public sector. Fixed-term employees are slightly more likely to be female and younger than ongoing employees.