PREFACE
ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION
The purpose of this document is to initiate public consultation regarding the nature and content of the 2011 Census. The Census and Statistics Act 1905 requires that the “ ... census shall be taken in the year 1981 and in every fifth year thereafter, ... ”. The ABS is preparing to undertake the next Census in August 2011, on a date yet to be determined.
The Census is the largest statistical collection undertaken by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and one of the most important. There are two broad objectives that underpin the Census: firstly, to accurately measure the number and key characteristics of people in Australia on Census night and the dwellings in which they live; and secondly, to provide timely, high quality and relevant data for small geographic areas and small population groups, to complement the rich but broad level data provided by ABS surveys. The Census also provides a reliable basis for the estimation of the population of each of the states, territories and local government areas (LGAs).
This publication describes the proposed procedures for the 2011 Census and the topics that might be included. Users of Census data and others are invited to comment on any aspect of the conduct and content of the Census by 31 March 2008.
Further publications will seek views about other aspects of the Census, including the output strategy, and the classifications, products and services to be produced.
Brian Pink
Australian Statistician
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