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Census: Second Release Information
Census: Second Release
New Statistics & Details From The 2006 Census Available Soon!
Census: Second Release
On 25 October 2007, the Australian Bureau of Statistics will publish second release data from the 2006 Census. Second release data builds on the already extensive range of census information available.
Differing from first release data (which provides statistics relating to age, gender, country of origin and household finance etc), second release data focuses on statistics relating to Australia’s workforce, level of education, the way we travel to work and internal migration.
The second release information will be made available free of charge on the ABS website <www.abs.gov.au>. The data will be accessible through 2006 Census products such as QuickStats, MapStats, Census Tables and Community Profiles.
The availability of the new data enables researchers, analysts and the broader community, to gain a better understanding of Australians and how they live.
The information can assist businesses and governments to make informed decisions, allowing them to better target their offerings towards the desired segments of the community.
If you have any further enquiries regarding second release census data, please contact the National Information Referral Service on 1300 135 070. Alternatively, you can email <census.users@abs.gov.au> to keep up-to-date with the latest Census developments and releases.
Workforce Analysis
Detailed occupation data is needed for analysing current and potential imbalances in the supply and demand for particular skills at the national, regional and local area levels. This information provides input to the development of policies and programs in the fields of education, training, immigration, industry and industrial relations. Occupation data is considerably more useful when analysed with detailed data on industry of employment and qualifications.
Because the census provides small area data, users can assess labour force changes for small population groups and within small geographic areas. This information is particularly useful in WA regions given the recent structural changes within the WA economy. Labour force statistics can also be used to determine participation rates for small groups of the population such as Indigenous people, migrants from particular countries, detailed age groups, and so on.
Education in WA
Information on whether a person is attending an educational institution has important uses for education and labour market planning. The census provides a wider range of information on the characteristics of students than is currently available from statistics derived from administrative sources.
This topic is considered to be of high importance to education planners at national, state and community levels.
Information on the relationship between education and labour market activities, particularly for young people and disadvantaged groups, is required by governments to monitor the impact of their policies and programs.
While much of this need is met by data from surveys, the census provides data for small areas and for small population groups which assists in the planning and delivery of relevant programs.
Internal Migration
Statistics on usual residence one year ago and five years ago are used in the postcensal estimation of interstate migration, which in turn is used for calculating Estimated Resident Population (ERP). The census is the only source of this data.
Coupled with other census topics, the questions on usual residence provide information on characteristics of the migratory population as well as the non-migratory population. As internal migration is a major component of population change for many areas, this data is important in the calculation of population estimates and forecasts.
Information on the internal migration patterns of the population at national, state, regional and local government levels is also used in planning transport, health and educational services, and factors heavily in the release and development of land for residential and commercial purposes.
Getting to Work
Information on the direction and distance of journeys to and from work is needed for transport planning and is used extensively in land use planning in WA.
Day time population figures are important when planning for facilities in employment centres. Journeys to and from work form the largest proportion of the total number of journeys and are concentrated in peak periods which place a critical load on transport systems.
Journey to work data is required by transport authorities for the analysis of travel patterns within major metropolitan areas, the modelling of fuel usage, the forecasting of public transport patronage and the analysis of catchment areas for transport routes. This data also assists policy makers in the planning of transport systems, industrial development and the release of residential and industrial land.
Focus on the Regions
One of the key objectives of the ABS is to better inform communities about the importance and usefulness of statistics. Although the processing and compilation of data for the 2006 Census has been completed, the ABS is committed to disseminating this valuable information amongst governing bodies and the wider public, particularly in regional areas.
With this in mind, representatives from the ABS have been conducting information seminars in regional centres throughout the state, promoting 2006 Census data and the upcoming second release.
There was also a heavy emphasis on training people on how to use the ABS website and the freely available on-line services. During July and August 2007, the ABS visited towns such as Albany, Kalgoorlie, Geraldton and even communities in the Kimberley, such as Broome and Kununurra. ABS representatives also gave numerous television and radio interviews on specific aspects of the 2006 Census, which were broadcast throughout WA’s regions.
The seminars were presented to various development commissions and local councils to assist them in making informed decisions in the operation of their constituencies. In addition, library staff were shown the extent of data available on the ABS website, and the best methods of accessing it. This training allows them to pass information on to the general public.
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