How Australia take a Census
Australia's fifteenth national Census of Population and Housing will be held on 8 August 2006. The Census is the largest statistical collection undertaken by the ABS and one of the most important.
The publication How Australia Takes a Census (cat. no. 2903.0) was released 7 February 2006. This publication provides current and potential users of Census statistics with information about the 2006 Census. It describes the history of the Census, the process by which the 2006 Census was planned, the way it will be conducted and processed, and the type of products and services that will be available following the Census.
Major improvements made to Census procedures since the 2001 Census are outlined in the publication. This includes: changes to the Census Inquiry Service, field operations and administration; the availability of an Internet version of the Census form - the eCensus - which can be completed and submitted online; and improvements to the geographic outputs from the Census with the introduction of Meshblocks.
A copy of the 2006 Census Household form questionnaire and the household help guide are included in the publication to help you understand why certain data are requested.
After extensive consultation two new topics were introduced on the 2006 Census; need for assistance and unpaid work. All topics asked in the 2001 Census were retained. However, questions on the use of personal computers and the Internet have been replaced with a question on Internet access at the dwelling level. For the 2006 Census, most products will be available via online services.
How Australia Takes a Census also provides examples of how Census information is used to build a better Australia.
A very useful publication for general interest and a good reference guide for those who use Census data in detail; How Australia takes a Census can be downloaded free of charge from the ABS website.
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