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Birthplace of Female Parent

Birthplace of Female Parent (BPFP)

This variable indicates whether a person's mother was born in Australia or overseas.

The question relating to Birthplace of Female Parent (BPFP) was first asked in the 1921 Census, but not repeated until 1971. Since then, it has been asked in every Census. In 2006, this variable was referred to as 'Country of Birth of Mother'. Further information on Census Topics 1911-2011, can be found in How Australia Takes a Census (cat. no. 2903.0).

The non-response rate for this variable was 6.3% (7.1% in 2006). More information is available from the 2011 Census non-response quality statement.

The responses to this question are captured automatically from mark box responses on the form so the risk of processing error is minimal. Sample checks are undertaken to ensure an acceptable level of quality. In a small proportion of cases (testing has indicated that this is less than 1.0%), respondents provided an incorrect number of responses (for BPFP, respondents were asked to only mark one response). In these cases, responses were accepted in the order they appeared on the form and the extra responses were rejected.

More information on BPFP is available in the 2011 Census Dictionary (cat. no. 2901.0)

Question 15 as it appeared on the 2011 Census Household Form

Image of question 15 from the 2011 Census
A text only version of this question is also available

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2011 Census Dictionary

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