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CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING

OBJECTIVES

The Census program conducts a five-yearly Census of Population and Housing. The program aims to accurately and efficiently measure the number and key characteristics of people in Australia on Census night, as well as their dwellings. This provides a reliable basis to estimate the population of each state, territory and local government area, primarily for electoral purposes and for distribution of government funds (Goods and Services Tax revenue) to each state and territory.

The Census is the only Australia-wide source of detailed statistical information on small geographic areas and small population groups (such as groups based on Indigenous origin, ethnicity or occupation) and is used to support planning, administration, policy development and evaluation by governments, businesses and other users.


OUTPUTS

Online products

Census of Population and Housing data can be accessed via a range of online tools, such as:

• QuickStats and Community Profiles in which Census data are displayed based upon selected location and topic of interest, and can be viewed in different formats including thematic maps or tables
• TableBuilder Basic and Pro: users can construct their own tables via an interactive web interface across any topics or geography, with output available in tabular, graphical or map based format
• analytical articles that present easily accessible commentary and social analysis on key topics of policy relevance and public interest
• Census data packs that are available at Statistical Area 1 level for download
• Socio-Economic Indexes For Areas (SEIFA) that provide summary measures of different aspects of the socio-economic conditions of people in a specific geographic area
• comprehensive 1% (Basic) and 5% (Expanded) Confidentialised Unit Record Files that contain Census characteristics for a random sample of respondents on a person, family, household and dwelling basis
• the Australian Census Longitudinal Dataset, which brings together a 5% random sample from the 2006 Census with corresponding records from the 2011 Census using data linkage techniques to explore how Australian society is changing over time. This will be extended to include 2016 data when available.
• Spotlight and Run That Town which provide interactive and engaging experiences online and on mobile devices to increase engagement with Census data and increase statistical literacy.

• based on public submissions, stakeholder consultation and internal consideration, make recommendations to government on Census 2016 topics - due late 2014
• test proposed changes to Census procedures and topics through a major test of 100,000 dwellings in August 2014 and a Dress Rehearsal in August 2015
• submit business case to government for funding in preparation for 2021 Census - 2015-16
• re-engineer the Census enumeration model to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, data quality and sustainability of the Census - due progressively to March 2016
• develop enabling infrastructure and processes to support the re-engineered Census enumeration model for 2016, including a comprehensive register of residential addresses to support the use of mail as a contact mechanism for the majority of Australian homes - due progressively to March 2016
• as part of ABS 2017 Program Delivery Division, develop the foundational components of a range of corporate capabilities that support more efficient and effective data collection - due progressively to March 2016
• release of datasets, files and publications based on 2016 collection - commencing mid 2017.

PROGRAM MANAGER

Duncan Young
Assistant Statistician
2016 Population Census Branch

RESOURCES