The study includes a representative survey of families and friends of 270 people reported missing to police, interviews with families of people still missing, and consultation with a wide range of government departments, non-government organizations, community groups, and individuals with an interest in missing persons issues. Approximately 30,000 people are reported missing in Australia each year, almost equal numbers of men and women, but more children and young people than adults. Families and friends, on average 12 people, suffer significant health, work, quality of life, emotional, relationship, economic and other effects associated with the missing person incident. The economic costs of locating missing persons total over $72 million. The report identifies 18 priority areas for action. These relate to support services, police practice in two specific areas, access to government information, avenues to address legal issues about missing person property, structure and coordination, and public awareness. Tables, figures, references, appendixes