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What's new for 2011?

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Overview

Users of Census data require information that both represents the current demographic and socioeconomic environments and that facilitates meaningful analysis of change over time. The analysis of change requires classifications that are comparable from Census to Census. However, because society is always changing, comparability is not always possible if the current situation is to be reflected in a meaningful way. This section of the dictionary discusses the changes which have occurred between 2006 and 2011 and indicates the impact these changes have on the range of analyses which can be undertaken. It includes new and revised classifications, including the new geography standard as well as a summary of changes to variables from 2006 to 2011.

New and revised classifications

It is important for Census data to be comparable and compatible with previous censuses and also with other data produced by the ABS and the wider community.

The Census uses the current Australian standard classifications where applicable. These are reviewed on an irregular basis to reflect changes in the Australian society. A number of changes have occurred to these classifications since 2006 and these are described below.

Where an Australian standard classification is not available, census-specific classifications have been developed by the ABS. The categories of these classifications are reviewed prior to each Census. Changes to these classifications are described in the section: Summary of Changes to Variables 2006 - 2011.

Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), First Edition, Revision 1

Responses to the occupation related questions in the 2011 Census are classified using the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), First Edition, Revision 1. Standard 2011 Census data will be output based on this classification.

Revision 1 of ANZSCO was released in 2009 and included the addition of 24 new occupations (categories at the 6-digit level) and the deletion/merging of eight occupations. It also included updates to the definitions and titles of some existing occupations and higher (i.e. 2-digit, 3-digit and 4-digit level) categories.

For more information see the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), First Edition, Revision 1 (cat. no. 1220.0).

Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006 (Revision 1.0)

Responses to the Industry of employment related questions in the 2011 Census are classified using the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006 (Revision 1.0). Standard 2011 Census data will be output based on this classification.

This revision of ANZSIC was developed to provide a more contemporary industrial classification system. Issues such as changes in the structure and composition of the economy, changing user demands and compatibility with other major international classification standards were taken into account.

For more information see the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006 (Revision 1.0) (cat. no.1292.0).

Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG), Second Edition, Revision 1

Responses to the ancestry question in the 2011 Census are classified using the Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG), Second Edition, Revision 1.

This revision of the classification is part of a periodical review process, that aims to reflect the changes to Australia's ethnic profile brought about by changing migration patterns.

For more information see the Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG), Second Edition, Revision 1 (cat. no.1249.0).

Australian Standard Classification of Languages (ASCL), Second Edition, Revision 1

The Australian Standard Classification of Languages (ASCL), Second Edition, Revision 1 is used in the 2011 Census to code responses to the question 'Does the person speak a language other than English at home?'.

This revision of the classification is part of a periodical review process that aims to reflect changes to Australia's language profile. The review also enabled improvements to the classification in terms of language coverage (particularly for Australian Indigenous Languages) and the grouping of certain languages.

For more information see the Australian Standard Classification of Languages (ASCL). Second Edition, Revision 1 (cat. no. 1267.0).

Australian Standard Classification of Religious Groups (ASCRG), Second Edition, Revision 1

The Australian Standard Classification of Religious Groups (ASCRG), Second Edition, Revision 1 is used in the 2011 Census to code responses to the religion question.

The ASCRG was created to satisfy wide community interest in the religious affiliations of the Australian population and to meet a growing statistical and administrative need. Analysis of 2006 Census data highlighted the need for a minor review of ASCRG to ensure it would be as up to date as possible for use in the 2011 Census.

For more information see the Australian Standard Classification of Religious Groups (ASCRG), Second Edition, Revision 1 (cat. no. 1266.0).

Standard Australian Classification of Countries (SACC), Second Edition, Revision 1

The Standard Australian Classification of Countries (SACC), Second Edition, Revision 1 is used in the 2011 Census to code responses to the Country of Birth of Person question.

This revision of the classification is part of a periodical review process that aims to reflect changes to the international geographic landscape.

For more information see the Standard Australian Classification of Countries (SACC), Second Edition, Revision 1 (cat. no. 1269.0).

Geography

From July 2011 the ABS will progressively replace the current Australian Standard Geographical Classification (ASGC) with the new Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS). The ASGS will be used for the 2011 Census of Population and Housing, but data will be available for Statistical Local Areas (SLAs) as a transitional unit for 2011 only. Data will also be available via a customised data request for those ASGC regions that are built directly from SLAs. The ABS anticipates that all its spatial data will be based on the ASGS by 2014.

Regions of the ASGS

The ASGS brings together, under the one umbrella, all the regions used by the ABS to output data. They are divided into two broad categories:

1. ABS structures: those regions which are defined and maintained by the ABS.
2. Non-ABS structures: those regions defined and maintained by other organisations, but for which the ABS supplies data.

The ABS structures are a hierarchy of regions developed for the release of particular ABS statistics. They are described below.

ABS Regions

Mesh Blocks are the smallest geographical area. There are approximately 347,000 covering the whole of Australia. They broadly identify land use such as: residential, commercial, agriculture and parks etc. Residential and agricultural Mesh Blocks usually contain 30 to 60 households. Mesh Blocks are the building block for all the larger regions of the ASGS. Only limited Census data, i.e. total population and dwelling counts will be released at the mesh block level.

Statistical Areas Level 1 (SA1s) will be the smallest region for which a wide range of Census data will be released. They will have an average population of about 400. They will be built from whole Mesh Blocks and there will be approximately 55,000 SA1s covering the whole of Australia.

Statistical Areas Level 2 (SA2s) will have an average population of about 10,000, with a minimum population of 3,000 and a maximum of 25,000. The SA2s are the regions for which the majority of ABS sub-state intercensal data, (for example Estimated Resident Population and Health and Vital Statistics), will be released. There will be about 2,200 SA2s, built from whole SA1s.

Statistical Areas Level 3 (SA3s) are a medium sized region with a population of 30,000 to 130,000. They represent the functional areas of regional cities and large urban transport and service hubs. There will be approximately 330 SA3s built from whole SA2s.

Statistical Areas Level 4 (SA4s) will be used for the release of Labour Force Statistics. There will be approximately 90 SA4s built from whole SA3s.

Greater Capital City Statistical Areas and Significant Urban Areas define the major cities and towns of Australia with a population over 10,000. They will contain the urban area itself and any likely growth in the next 15 years, plus any immediately associated semi-rural development.

Urban Centres/Localities, Section of State and Remoteness Areas will be broadly comparable to previous Censuses.

Indigenous Regions, Areas and Localities are designed for the presentation of Indigenous data. At the Indigenous Locality level it is possible to identify data on particular Indigenous Communities.

Non-ABS Regions

Non-ABS structures will be approximated or built directly from Mesh Blocks or SA1s. The Non-ABS structures include such important regions as: Local Government Areas (LGAs), postal areas, state gazetted suburbs, and electoral divisions. LGAs remain part of the ASGS and the ABS will continue to support LGAs with the data it currently provides.

The diagram below summarises the overall structure of the ASGS.

Australian Statistical Geography Standard (ASGS)ASGS_Census_version_070211.pdf

Release of the ASGS

The ABS published the ASGS manual with the boundaries, labels and codes for the Statistical Area units and Capital Cities in December 2010. The ASGS will come into effect on the 1 July 2011. The Non-ABS structures will be released at the time of the 2011 Census; this is to ensure that the Census is released on the most up to date boundaries available. Urban Centres and Localities, Section of State, Remoteness and Significant Urban Areas will be released after the 2011 Census as they require an analysis of Census data to be developed. Data on Statistical Local Areas will still be available for the 2011 Census however, for 2012 and beyond, the ASGC will no longer be published. The regions defined in the ABS structures will not change until the next Census in 2016, although the Non-ABS structures will be updated annually.

If you have any questions regarding the ASGS please email geography@abs.gov.au

Summary of changes to variables from 2006 to 2011

This section outlines changes that have been made to variables since the 2006 Census. It includes details of new variables for the 2011 Census and those variables which are no longer included. It describes changes to names, mnemonics and classifications. Further detail is available in the Glossary.

New and Revised Classifications

Variable	Description of Change
Ancestry (ANCP)	For the 2006 Census, Ancestry was classified using the Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG) Second Edition (2005). For the 2011 Census, Ancestry is classified to the Australian Standard Classification of Cultural and Ethnic Groups (ASCCEG), Second Edition, Revision 1.
Birthplace of Parents (BPPP)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It indicates if a person's mother and/or father was born in Australia or overseas.
Count of All Children in Family (CACF)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It counts the number of dependent and non-dependent children in the family.
Count of Dependent Children in Family (CDCF)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It counts the number of dependent children in the family.
Count of Dependent Students (15-24) Temporarily Absent (CDSAF)	This variable's name has been changed to Count of Dependent Students (15-24 years) Temporarily Absent (CDSAF).
Count of Non-Dependent Children in Family (CNDCF)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It counts the number of non-dependent children in the family.
Count of Persons in Family (CPRF)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It counts the number of persons in a family.
Country of Birth of Father (BPMP)	This variable's name has been changed to Birthplace of Male Parent (BPMP).
Country of Birth of Mother (BPFP)	This variable's name has been changed to Birthplace of Female Parent (BPFP).
Country of Birth of Person (BPLP)	For the 2006 Census, Country of Birth of Person was classified using the Standard Australian Classification of Countries (SACC). For the 2011 Census, this variable is classified using the Standard Australian Classification of Countries (SACC), Second Edition, Revision 1.
Child Type (including grandchildren) (CTGP)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It records the different parent-child relationships within families. Data is available on request.
Educational Institution: Attendee Status (TYSTAP)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It combines information from Type of Educational Institution Attending (TYPP) by Full-Time/Part-Time Student Status (STUP) with age categories.
Family Blending (FBLF)	Codes have been amended for this variable for the 2011 Census.
Family Composition (FMCF)	Categories have been revised for this variable for the 2011 Census.
Family Household Composition (Dwelling) (HCFMD)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It counts the types of families within family households at the dwelling level.
Family Household Composition (Family) (HCFMF)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It counts the types of families within family households at the family level.
Family Income as Stated (weekly) (FINASF)	This variable's name has been changed to Total Family Income as Stated (weekly) (FINASF). The categories for dollar ranges have been revised for the 2011 Census. Some codes have also been amended.
Family Income (weekly) (FINF)	This variable's name has been changed to Total Family Income (weekly) (FINF). The categories for dollar ranges have been revised for the 2011 Census. Some codes have also been amended.
Family Income Derivation Indicator (FIDF)	Codes have been amended for this variable for the 2011 Census.
Full-Time/Part-Time Student Status (STUP)	Categories have been revised for this variable for the 2011 Census.
Government/Non-government Employer Indicator (GNGP)	This variable's name has been changed to Public/Private Employer Indicator (GNGP). Also, the Commonwealth Government is now referred to as the National Government.
Grandparent Families (FMGF)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It classifies families into different family types depending on the composition of the family, with a focus on grandparent families. Data is available on request.
Hours Worked (ranges) (HRWRP)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It indicates the number of hours worked in ranges by the employed person in all jobs during the week prior to Census Night.
Household Income - Equivalised (weekly) (HIED)	This variable's name has been changed to Equivalised Total Household Income (weekly) (HIED). Categories have been revised and some codes have been amended for the 2011 Census.
Household Income as Stated (weekly) (HINASD)	This variable's name has been changed to Total Household Income as Stated (weekly) (HINASD). The categories for dollar ranges have been revised for the 2011 Census. Some codes have also been amended.
Household Income (weekly) (HIND)	This variable's name has been changed to Total Household Income (weekly) (HIND). The categories for dollar ranges have been revised for the 2011 Census. Some codes have also been amended.
Household One Year Mobility Indicator (MV1D)	Codes have been amended for this variable for the 2011 Census.
Household Income Derivation Indicator (HIDD)	Codes have been amended for this variable for the 2011 Census.
Housing Loan Repayments (monthly) dollar values (HLRD)	This variable has been replaced with the new Mortgage Repayments (monthly) Dollar Values (MRED).
Housing Loan Repayments (monthly) ranges (HLRD01)	This variable has been replaced with the new Mortgage Repayments (monthly) Ranges (MRERD). The categories for dollar ranges have been revised for the 2011 Census. Some codes have also been amended.
Imputation Flag for Place of Usual Residence (IFPURP)	Categories for this variable have been revised for the 2011 Census.
Indigenous Household Indicator (INGDWTD)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It records households with at least one Indigenous person who is a usual resident and was present in the household on Census Night.
Individual Income (weekly) (INCP)	This variable's name has been changed to Total Personal Income (weekly) (INCP). Dollar ranges have been adjusted in line with rises in income.
Industry of Employment (IND06P)	For the 2006 Census, Industry of Employment was coded using the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC) 2006. For the 2011 Census, Industry is classified to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC), 2006 (Revision 1.0). This mnemonic has been changed for the 2011 Census to INDP.
Labour Force Status (LFS06P)	This mnemonic has been changed for the 2011 Census to LFSP.
Labour Force Status and Hours Worked Not Stated (LFHRP)	This is a new variable for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It combines Labour Force Status (LFSP) with the 'Not stated' category from the Hours Worked (HRSP) variable.
Labour Force Status of Parents/Partners in Families (LFSF)	This is a new variable for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It indicates labour force status of parents or partners in couple and lone parent families.
Language Spoken at Home (LANP)	For the 2006 Census, Language Spoken at Home was classified to the Australian Standard Classification of Languages (ASCL) Second Edition (revised 2005). For the 2011 Census, it is classified to the Australian Standard Classification of Languages (ASCL), Second Edition, Revision 1.
Level of Highest Educational Attainment (HEAP)	For this variable in 2011, data is available on request.
Mortgage Repayments (monthly) dollar values (MRED)	This is a new variable for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It replaces the variable Housing Loan Repayments (monthly) dollar values (HLRD) used in previous Censuses.
Mortgage Repayments (monthly) ranges (MRERD)	This is a new variable for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It replaces the variable Housing Loan Repayments (monthly) ranges (HLRD01) used in previous Censuses.
Number of Bedrooms in Private Dwelling (BEDD)	Categories for this variable have been revised for the 2011 Census.
Number of Bedrooms in Private Dwelling (ranges) (BEDRD)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It contains the number of bedrooms in each occupied private dwelling in ranges.
Number of Children Ever Born (TISP)	Categories for this variable have been revised for the 2011 Census.
Number of Children Ever Born (ranges) (TISRP)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It records the number of children ever born (live births) to each female in ranges.
Number of Persons Usually Resident in Dwelling (NPRD)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It counts the number of persons usually resident in an occupied private dwelling.
Number of Motor Vehicles (VEHD)	Categories for this variable have been revised for the 2011 Census.
Number of Motor Vehicles (ranges) (VEHRD)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It records the number of registered motor vehicles owned or used by household members, garaged, parked at or near private dwellings on Census Night in ranges.
Occupation (OCC06P)	For the 2006 Census, Occupation was coded using the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). For the 2011 Census, Occupation is classified to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), First Edition, Revision 1. This mnemonic has been changed to OCCP for the 2011 Census.
Place of Usual Residence Five Years Ago (PUR5P)	The categories in this variable have changed to reflect the new geography used for the 2011 Census.
Place of Usual Residence One Year Ago (PUR1P)	The categories in this variable have changed to reflect the new geography used for the 2011 Census.
Place of Usual Residence (PURP)	The categories in this variable have changed to reflect the new geography used for the 2011 Census.
Place of Work (POWP)	The categories in this variable have changed to reflect the new geography used for the 2011 Census.
Proficiency in Spoken English/Language (ENGP01)	This mnemonic has been changed for the 2011 Census to ENGLP and codes have been amended.
Relationship as Reported for Couples (RLCP)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It shows the number of people who reported their relationship as 'Husband or wife' (regardless of whether they are a same-sex or opposite-sex couple). Data is available on request.
Relationship in Household (RLHP)	Categories have been revised for this variable. A new category 'Other non-classifiable relationship' has been added to RLHP for 2011.
Relationship in Household (including grandchildren) (RLGP)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It describes the relationship of each person in a family to the family reference person or, where a person is not part of a family, that person's relationship to the household reference person. Data is available on request.
Religious Affiliation (RELP)	For the 2006 Census, Religious Affiliation was classified to the Australian Standard Classification of Religious Groups (ASCRG) Second Edition (revised 2005). For the 2011 Census, it is classified to the Australian Standard Classification of Religious Groups (ASCRG), Second Edition, Revision 1.
Rent (weekly) ranges (RNTD01)	The mnemonic for this variable has been changed to RNTRD. The categories for dollar ranges have been revised for the 2011 Census. Some codes have also been amended.
Same Sex Couple Indicator (SSCF)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It indicates whether or not a family are a same-sex couple.
Sex of Lone Parent (SLPP)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It indicates the sex of a lone parent.
Social Marital Status (MDCP)	Codes have been amended for this variable for the 2011 Census.
Supported Accommodation Flag (SAFD)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. The Supported Accommodation Flag (SAFD) includes accommodation specified by state/territory bodies as providing supported accommodation for persons without a permanent residence. Data is available on request.
Tenure Type (TEND)	Categories for this variable have been revised for the 2011 Census.
Tenure and Landlord Type (TENLLD)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. It combines Tenure Type (TEND) and Landlord Type (LLDD) to provide more detailed information for rented dwellings.
Usual Address Five Years Ago Indicator (UAI5P)	Descriptors with years and categories have been revised for 2011.
Usual Address Indicator Census Night (UAICP)	Descriptors for these categories have changed for 2011. Some codes have also been amended.
Usual Address One Year Ago Indicator (UAI1P)	Descriptors with years have been revised for 2011.
Year of Arrival in Australia (YARP)	Categories for this variable have been updated for 2011.
Year of Arrival in Australia (ranges) (YARRP)	This variable is new for the 2011 Census Dictionary. For people born overseas, it records the year they first arrived in Australia in ranges.

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