The latest Hilda report tells us wages have become more equal, but comparing living standards gives a better understanding of households’ wealth The latest Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (Hilda) Survey released on Thursday provides vital details on the lives of Australians. It also helps answer the question of how much you need to earn to be a middle-income Australian. The Hilda survey by the Melbourne Institute is a longitudinal study that follows the same group of about 17,