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Key changes made to Labour Mobility Survey include:

Revision of population benchmarks

Revisions are made to population benchmarks for the LFS after each five-yearly Census of Population and Housing (Census). Estimates from the 2010 Labour Mobility Survey are based on the population benchmarks that take into account results from the 2006 Census, first published in the February 2009 issue of Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6202.0). Labour supplementary surveys conducted from July 2010 will include revised populations benchmarks that incorporate revised Net Overseas Migration estimates, published in the September 2008 and September 2009 issues of Australian Demographic Statistics (cat. no. 3101.0) For details on pop benchmarks, see Labour Force, Australia (cat. no. 6202.0)

Changes in the scope of the survey

The scope of surveys run prior to February 1990 included persons aged 15 years and over. From February 1990 to February 2005 the survey scope excluded all persons aged 70 years and over. The scope was expanded to 15 years and over again in February 2006. Direct comparisons should only be made where the populations are the same.

Revisions made in 2006 and 2008

New data items were introduced from the 2006 survey to provide information on people who had worked with their current employer/business for one year or more, and had changes in the work undertaken with their current employer/business in the last 12 months. These data items included 'Whether promoted or transferred', 'Whether changed usual hours worked' and 'Whether changed occupation'.

Prior to 2006, changes in locality were included as a job change. From 2006, data items that referred to locality, were no longer collected.

From 2008, occupation data are classified according to the ANZSCO–Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations First Edition, 2006 (cat. no. 1220.0). The new classification replaces ASCO–Australian Standard Classification of Occupations Second Edition, 1997 (cat. no. 1220.0). Data classified according to ASCO can be obtained on request.

From 2008, industry data are classified according to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006 (cat. no. 1292.0). The new classification replaces Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 1993 (cat. no. 1292.0). Data classified according to ANZSIC 1993 can be obtained on request.

The introduction of ANZSCO First Edition and ANZSIC 2006 from 2008 have made data relating to change in occupation and industry not comparable with previous years. Consequently, presentation of time series data for 'Whether changed occupation (last to current employer/business)' and 'Whether changed industry (last to current employer/business)' changed in the 2008 publication.

In 2008, amendments were made to 'Whether changed occupation' and 'Whether changed industry' data items to output changes in Major and Minor occupation groups and changes in industry Division or Subdivision.

As a result of these changes, users need to exercise care when comparing the estimates between releases. For further information on these revisions please see the Explanatory Notes of the relevant Labour Mobility, Australia (cat. no. 6209.0) publication.