Note: While the 2011 and 2016 Censuses were predominantly the same, there were some minor differences. For example, a number of changes were made to how industry of employment information was collected for the 2016 Census. The ABS advises this data is not directly comparable to 2011 industry data and should not be used to measure longitudinal transitions. For further information refer to Industry of Employment (INDP) in Census of Population and Housing: Understanding the Census and Census Data, Australia, 2016 (cat. no. 2900.0).
Users are also encouraged to read Understanding the data pages in Census of Population and Housing: Understanding the Census and Census Data, Australia, 2016 (cat. no. 2900.0) for information to assist with using and interpreting specific data items across time.
INTRODUCTION
The Census of Population and Housing is conducted every five years to measure the number of people and dwellings in Australia on Census Night. The Census also provides information on the key characteristics of people and dwellings for small geographic areas and small population groups.
The Australian Census Longitudinal Dataset (ACLD) uses data from the Census of Population and Housing to build a rich longitudinal picture of Australian society. The ACLD can uncover new insights into the dynamics and transitions that drive social and economic change over time, and how these vary for diverse population groups and geographies.
The ACLD is a random 5% sample of the Australian population and three waves of data have so far contributed to the ACLD from the 2006 Census (Wave 1), 2011 Census (Wave 2) and 2016 Census (Wave 3).
In this release of the 2011-2016 ACLD, a representative sample of over 1.2 million records from the 2011 Census (Wave 2) was brought together with corresponding records from the 2016 Census (Wave 3) to form the 2011 Panel of the ACLD. The 2011 Panel includes new births and migrants since the 2006 Census, and is a rich source for exploring how Australian society has changed between the 2011 and 2016 Censuses.
A second release of the 2016 ACLD in mid-2018 will include additional data items on the 2011 Panel, as well as an updated 2006 Panel consisting of a linked sample between the 2006, 2011 and 2016 Censuses. The 2006 Panel was first released in December 2013 (as the Australian Census Longitudinal Dataset, 2006-2011, (cat. no. 2080.0), bringing together a sample of almost one million records from the 2006 Census (Wave 1) with corresponding records from the 2011 Census (Wave 2). The addition of corresponding information from the 2016 Census (Wave 3) will expand our understanding of the dynamics and transitions that have been driving change in Australia since the 2006 Census.
As information from subsequent Censuses are added to the ACLD, its value as a resource for longitudinal studies of the Australian population will continue to increase.
AVAILABLE PRODUCTS
The following microdata products are available for this longitudinal dataset:
- ACLD 2011-2016 in TableBuilder - an online tool for creating tables and graphs.
- ACLD 2011-2016 in DataLab for in-depth analysis using a range of statistical software packages.
Further information about TableBuilder and DataLab, and other information to assist users in understanding and accessing microdata in general, is available from the
Microdata Entry Page.
APPLYING FOR ACCESS
Before applying for access to TableBuilder, users should read and familiarise themselves with the information contained in the
TableBuilder User Guide (cat. no. 1406.0.55.005).
To apply for access to TableBuilder, please register and apply from
the
How to Apply for Microdata page on the ABS website.
Information about TableBuilder
can be found on the
Microdata Entry Page.
If you already are a registered TableBuilder user
Login in here.
To apply for access to the ACLD in DataLab,
please contact Microdata Access Strategies via
microdata.access@abs.gov.au.
Information about the DataLab can be found on the
About the DataLab page.
SUPPORT
For support in the use of this product, please contact Microdata Access Strategies on 02 6252 7714 or via
microdata.access@abs.gov.au.
DATA AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Customised tables are available on a fee-for-service basis. A consultancy service is available for complex analysis and modelling. For further information, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email client.services@abs.gov.au.
INQUIRIES
For further information about these and related statistics, contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070, or email client.services@abs.gov.au. The
ABS Privacy Policy outlines how the ABS will handle any personal information that you provide to us.