Australian Census Analytic Program - the next step!
The July 2000 edition of Census Update reported on an exciting new initiative: the Australian Census Analytic Program (ACAP). This program is designed to maximise the use of Census data when used on its own, or when combined with data from other sources. We expect that ACAP will foster issue-driven research which will contribute to the development of Australia's social and economic policy agenda over the next decade.
The ABS has recently presented an introductory paper to the Australian Vice Chancellor's Committee (AVCC) to stimulate interest and discussion on the project. The AVCC is seen as an ideal conduit to the academic community; linking their expertise in social research with the ABS's knowledge of census and statistical data.
ACAP will provide social researchers with an opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of Australia by advancing contemporary understanding of our social, cultural and economic environment. With this in mind, the ABS intends that the research and subsequent monographs from ACAP will be at the leading edge of applied research in Australia.
The topics can span major features of Australian society and should be geared for practical policy development and application. Themes could be as diverse as: growing old in Australia; women and the Australian labour market; education in Australia; Indigenous populations; and changes in the make-up of the Australian labour force.
Invitations will shortly be sent out to academics and social science researchers to submit proposals on topics that may be suited to ACAP. However, if in the meantime you are interested in forwarding an expression of interest, you can do so by sending an e-mail to census2001@abs.gov.au outlining your ideas.
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