SECOND RESIDENCE
DIRECTIONS FOR 2011 CENSUS
Second residence is a new topic being considered for the 2011 Census.
Users should consider any data needs for second residence in conjunction with the 'Thematic Forms' proposal
JUSTIFICATION
The ABS has become aware of a growing user interest in data related to second residence, particularly in relation to:
- people who regularly stay in a second residence due to work commitments
- children in shared custody arrangements, who have an alternate usual residence from the one they stayed in on Census night
- students who regularly stay in a second residence due to educational requirements.
Collection of information on second residence would enable improved assessment of the numbers of temporary residents located in communities and would be used for the compilation of service populations. This, in turn, would facilitate more accurate planning for services in these locations.
HISTORICAL INFORMATION
No previous Census has included a question on second residence.
USER REQUIREMENTS
Data on second residence are required for:
- improved estimation of service populations
- assessment of the impact of varying proportions of people who live in particular localities for only part of the year.
AVAILABILITY OF NON-CENSUS DATA
No ABS surveys collect data on second residence in the context proposed for the 2011 Census (i.e. where people stay regularly or for part of the year, regardless of ownership of the dwelling).
Some information on the value of residential property, for example holiday homes and investment property (excluding the dwelling being lived in by the household) which are owned or being purchased by a household, is available approximately every six years through the Survey of Income and Housing (data separately available upon request and released in 2005-06 and 2009-10).