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OPPORTUNITIES TO DISCUSS REBASING PLANS WITH ABS

A key component of ABS plans for the rebasing of population estimates involves keeping a wide range of stakeholders informed as the work progresses including discussing and explaining methodologies to be used, providing more information on detailed release plans and advising progress updates.

Stakeholder meetings already conducted include:

• The annual ABS Population Estimates Technical Workshop, Darwin, September 2010;
• An additional 2011 rebasing methods Population Estimates Technical Workshop, Adelaide, May 2011; and
• Several individual bilateral briefings and meetings with Australian, state and territory government representatives by ABS Demography program senior managers.

The release of this information paper is also an opportunity for outlining plans for stakeholders and seeking additional comments and feedback from a wider range of data users and stakeholders (see details at the end of the paper).

Looking ahead, the ABS has planned the following stakeholder engagement opportunities.

Date	Event
Ongoing	Bilateral discussions with a range of government agency representatives
Ongoing	ABS Demography News (cat. no. 3106.0) released quarterly, will convey information about the Demography work program and will encourage users to discuss their expectations directly with ABS Demography program managers
December 2011	Population Estimates Technical Workshop, Melbourne
Early to mid 2012	An Information Paper outlining our methodology and release plans with specific regard to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander statistics
Early to mid 2012 (tbc)	2012 ABS State Statistical Forum with senior State and Territory Government representatives
February to April 2012 (tbc)	ABS Demography Statistics Advisory Group (DemSAG)
20 June 2012	Release of preliminary rebased population estimates (cat. no. 3101.0)
June 2012	Release of 2011 Census results and Census Post Enumeration Survey results - date to be advised
Late June/early July 2012	At a time shortly after release, the conduct of a proposed seminar or workshop to brief key users of the results of Census, PES and rebasing the population estimates, and the release of detailed quality document (Information Paper) summarising the ABS' quality assurance analysis, decisions and statistical impacts in relation to rebasing the 2011 Estimated Resident Population.
Mid to late 2012	Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander statistics estimates methodology briefings and workshops
2012 and 2014	Two-yearly Australian Population Association Conference - Paper to be proposed on ERP rebasing progress to date
Oct/Nov 2013	2013 Population Estimates Technical Workshop (venue to be determined)
Early to mid 2013 (tbc)	2013 ABS State Statistical Forum
Late 2012 to late 2013	Stakeholder briefings, workshops and consultation regarding life tables and life expectancy estimates methodology and results, and population projection assumptions for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population

Soon after the release of preliminary rebased ERP, scheduled for 20 June 2012, it is proposed that ABS conducts either a workshop for specific key stakeholders or an online seminar/presentation so that stakeholders can be briefed on key features and technical matters regarding the rebasing of population estimates, engage in discussion with key ABS demographers and methodologists and ask detailed questions. Such an engagement opportunity could consist of an on-line recorded video presentation, a video conference or a series of face-to-face discussions and workshops. The ABS is seeking feedback on these options by 12 December 2011 so that the appropriate arrangements can be put in place.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander demographic statistics, the consultation strategy will be informed by recommendations arising from the 2011 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Demographic Statistics Stakeholder Consultation Review. There is strong demand for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander demographic statistics, and a high level of awareness of the quality issues surrounding this data. The ABS recognises the importance of inclusive, visible and transparent communication on the development and dissemination of ABS' mortality and population statistics work program.

To meet this demand, the ABS will seek to collaborate with internal and external technical and subject matter groups. It is anticipated that the ABS Advisory Group for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statistics (AGATSIS) will be the primary external group to discuss and share subject matter knowledge and expertise.

In the lead up to the work of compiling 2011 Census-based estimates of the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the ABS will identify additional opportunities for stakeholder engagement as well as those identified above. The ABS will then inform users and stakeholders to enable detailed engagement specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander statistics.

Contact details

For further information or questions, or to provide feedback on proposals in this information paper, please contact Population Estimates and Projections, Phil Browning on 02 6252 6639 or email <demography@abs.gov.au>.