2902.0 - Census Update (Newsletter), Apr 1999  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 30/04/1999   
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Planning for 2001 Census Products and Services has begun

The Australian Bureau of Statistics has commenced a user consultation process as part of the development of the 2001 Census output program.

There will be several stages of consultation involving both qualitative and quantitative research. The overall aim can be broken down into four objectives which are to:

      1) better understand overall user reactions to the 1996 output program;

      2) understand user reactions to specific 1996 products and services;

      3) identify emerging needs in the market place and how the ABS can develop products and services to meet these needs; and

      4) report on the outcome of the research and make recommendations to users and ABS management for the 2001 output program.

By undertaking wide client consultation, the ABS will be able to better understand users' needs and this information will assist the ABS to design 2001 Census products and services.



          Two publications will be prepared to inform users of ABS views on the 2001 Census Output Program

          ABS Views on Census Output - an overview of the strategic direction. This publication will provide information about the proposed release strategy, proposed product range, a tentative release schedule, the proposed confidentiality procedures for 2001, and major changes to concepts and classifications. The publication will focus on strengths identified in the initial qualitative research and will seek to address the reported weaknesses.

          ABS Views on Census Products and Services - will cover changes to the output program as a result of the qualitative and quantitative research. This document will provide product outlines, indicative release dates and prices. A questionnaire seeking general feedback on the product proposals, as well as specific feedback on the content of the Community Profile series will be included.


          KEY CONSULTATION DATES


          FEBRUARY 1999

The first round of consultation commenced in February 1999 and consists of qualitative studies based on relatively small sample sizes. This initial research aims to determine clients' overall attitudes to the 1996 Census output program and their views on selected products and services such as CDATA96, Census KeyData, SEIFA96 and Community Profile series.


          SEPTEMBER 1999

ABS Views on Census Output will be sent to all Census Update subscribers in September 1999. In this publication people will be asked to express their interest in taking part in the next stage of the consultative process. Respondents will then be sent a questionnaire which will comprise two parts:

      a) questions relating to the client's use of 1996 Census products and services and the client's use of technology (formats/ media/ delivery mechanisms, industry standard software in use, internet use); and

      b) questions relating to the strategies proposed by ABS which reflect users' views highlighted in the qualitative research for 2001 Census products and services.

          JUNE 2000

ABS Views on Census Products and Services will also be sent to all Census Update subscribers. This publication will document the full range of products and services to be produced for the 2001 Census, including a CDATA-type product. A questionnaire will seek detailed information on the proposed data content of specific products. In addition to the mail-out of publications and questionnaires, a number of face-to-face interviews will be conducted with key users to obtain more detailed feedback. A supplement containing detailed information about the content of the proposed publications and Community Profile series will also be provided to users for reference when completing the survey.


          Census Update will keep you up-to-date with the latest consultation activities so you can have your say on the 2001 Census products and services.