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Standard output categories

Output categories for detailed data

52. The hierarchical structure of the Standard Australian Classification of Countries (SACC) (cat. no. 1269.0) allows users the flexibility to output statistics at the level of the classification which best suits their requirements. Data can be presented at major group level, minor group level, or the base or country level. If necessary, significant countries within a minor group can be presented separately while the remaining countries within the minor group are aggregated. For example, the third-level category 'Nauru' can be separately identified as an output category within the 'Micronesia' Minor Group, with the remaining third-level categories in this minor group aggregated in an 'Other Micronesia' category. The same principle can be adopted to highlight significant minor groups within a major group.

53. Regardless of the level of aggregation envisaged for the dissemination of statistics, data should be captured, classified and stored at the base level of the classification wherever possible. Collecting and storing data at the most detailed level of the classification allows the greatest flexibility for the output of statistics, enables more detailed and complex analyses, facilitates comparisons with previous data using different classifications, and preserves information that provides maximum flexibility for future use of the data.

54. However, the constraints affecting each statistical collection or other application, such as problems with confidentiality or standard errors, may not permit the collection or output of data at the lower levels of the classification.

55. The SACC is intended to provide a single framework for classifying all statistical and administrative data by country for both population and economic statistics. Because the geographically based country groupings of the main structure are not always ideal for the presentation of data, alternative groupings have been included in the classification document to meet specific output needs. These country groupings are of two types:

• a set of standard country groupings based on economic and political requirements and comprising associations or organisations of formally recognised member countries (for example, the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)); and

• a set of authorised standard output options for time series purposes or other data output needs (for example Former USSR).
  

	Oceania and Antarctica
			Australia
			New Zealand
			Other Oceania and Antarctica
	North-West Europe
		United Kingdom
			England
			Scotland
			Other United Kingdom
		Western Europe
			Germany
			Netherlands
			Other Western Europe
		Other North-West Europe
	Southern and Eastern Europe
			Italy
			Greece
			Other Southern and Eastern Europe

	North Africa and the Middle East
			Lebanon
			Other North Africa and the Middle East
	South-East Asia
			Malaysia
			Philippines
			Viet Nam
			Other South-East Asia
	North-East Asia
		Chinese Asia (includes Mongolia)
			China (excludes SARs and Taiwan Province)
			Hong Kong (SAR of China)
			Other Chinese Asia
		Japan and the Koreas
	Southern and Central Asia
			India
			Other Southern and Central Asia
	Americas
	Sub-Saharan Africa

Output categories for minimum data

58. The standard output categories for the Country of Birth of Mother question module for minimum data are:

• Born in Australia
• Born overseas

59. Country of Birth of Mother does not require any supporting variables but would not normally be asked if Country of Birth of Person and Country of Birth of Father were not also asked. These two variables alone will not allow first and second generation migrants to be distinguished from each other unless Country of Birth of Person is also asked.