YOUR HERITAGE - QUESTIONS 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 18
WHY ARE THEY ASKED?
Australia is a diverse society with people from many different cultures. Knowing how many citizens there are in particular areas throughout Australia enables planning for voting arrangements in elections, and for citizenship awareness campaigns.
The Census also provides the only opportunity to produce comprehensive social and demographic information on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
Over the last two centuries people have come from all parts of the world to live in Australia. An understanding of the origins of the people who call Australia home is essential in developing policies and services which reflect the needs of our society. Therefore, we ask about citizenship, country of birth and ancestry.
Ancestry is not necessarily related to the place a person was born but is more the cultural group that they most closely identify with. For example, a person may be born in New Zealand but have Samoan ancestry.
HOW THE CENSUS IS USED
Planning for residents
Census results were used by local government councils to develop strategic land-use plans. Up to date population statistics, including data on population movements, were used to plan for future residential needs, helped to predict the level of demand in the local housing market and increased the councils' awareness about future growth. This information assisted the councils to be able to see how the cities were growing and what services would be in demand in the future. "
HOW TO ANSWER
Indigenous Australian Origin
Q7 If the person considers themselves to be of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin mark both the ‘Yes, Aboriginal’ and 'Yes, Torres Strait Islander' response options.
Torres Strait Islander origin refers to people who came from the Torres Strait Islands (located between the Australian mainland and Papua New Guinea).
Country of origin
Q12 For any person born in Australia, mark the 'Australia' box, leave Q13 blank and go to Q14.
Birthplace of father and mother
Q14 & Q15 If the person was adopted, provide the birthplaces of their natural parents, if known. If a natural parent's birthplace is not known, leave the question blank.
Ancestry
Q18 For each person provide a maximum of two of the main ancestries with which they most closely identify, if possible. Consider the origins of the person's parents and grandparents for example.
If the person is a descendant of South Sea Islanders brought to Australia as indentured labourers at the turn of the twentieth century, please answer 'AUSTRALIAN SOUTH SEA ISLANDER’.
If the person is a Pacific Islander please report their ancestry as accurately as possible, for example, Samoan, Tongan or Cook Islander.
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