1300.1.55.001 - Statistics News NSW, Mar 2007  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 29/03/2007   
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REVIEW OF THE AUSTRALIAN STANDARD GEOGRAPHIC CLASSIFICATION (ASGC)

The ASGC is a national geographic classification used widely across a range of areas. A review of the ASGC is being conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). It aims to simplify the ASGC, and provide a more flexible range of spatial units at the higher levels, while establishing a set of relatively stable spatial units to replace the current collection districts and statistical local areas.

These lower level units will provide the basis for standard population census outputs and community statistics, and can be aggregated to meet the needs of your or your clients' needs.

Following the introduction of mesh blocks, it is also timely to consider a more stable geographic framework that facilitates more accurate time series comparisons. The new classification is envisaged as having a three part structure:

A core comprising a new, general purpose structure replacing the current ASGC ’main structure’ and also encompassing rural/urban definitions and remoteness.

A set of ABS endorsed structures, which will be outside the core but under the umbrella of the new standard classification. These boundaries will need to be aligned with mesh block boundaries.

A set of supported geographies, outside the standard classification, for which the ABS will provide boundaries, concordances and possibly data.

A Panel of Experts has been appointed to provide input to the review and two meetings have been conducted. The concepts have been generally agreed and some development work undertaken to verify the practicality of these concepts. A round of consultation will be undertaken during April with presentations planned for each capital city. Following this an Information Paper will be developed and after a period of feedback, a classification will be recommended for adoption. The new classification will be implemented before the 2011 Census.

If you use the ASGC and are interested in attending the information session in NSW on 11 April, please register your interest with Alan Jenner on (02) 9268 4113, email client.services@abs.gov.au.