OTHER TOPICS

The ABS is consulting to seek views on the information to be collected in the next Census. The opportunity to participate in the consultation will be available from 3 April to 30 June 2018 via consult.abs.gov.au

The ABS has undertaken initial discussions and reviewed feedback from the 2016 Census in preparation for this consultation. Stakeholders have identified a number of emerging data needs. Where these fit within existing topics the feedback is incorporated in the relevant topic brief. Other emerging data needs are identified below.


HEALTH

WHAT HAVE WE HEARD FROM YOU ABOUT THE 2021 CENSUS?

There are currently no health questions collected on the Census, however the inclusion of a health question has been raised as a potential information need. A number of possible topics were suggested including long-term health conditions, self-assessed health status and smoking status, with most stakeholders preferring the long-term health conditions question.

Stakeholders have expressed an interest in getting data on people with certain long-term health conditions at small geographic areas and for smaller population groups. It has been suggested information from the Census would enable targeting of programs and resources to assist in the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.


OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC

The ABS collects data on health through a number of different collections. Listed below is a selection of ABS publications. For the comprehensive list of ABS products, please visit the ABS website.

4364.0.55.001 - National Health Survey: First Results, 2014-15
The National Health Survey collects a range of information about the health of Australians, including:

• prevalence of long-term health conditions
• health risk factors such as smoking, overweight and obesity, alcohol consumption and exercise
• use of health services, such as consultations with health practitioners, and actions people have recently taken for their health
• demographic and socio-economic characteristics.

4727.0.55.001 -Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Survey, 2012-13
This survey provides information on a range of key health indicators for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. Topics covered include long-term health conditions; health risk factors; and selected social and emotional wellbeing indicators and health measurements.

4326.0 - National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Summary of Results, 2007
This survey provided information on the prevalence of selected lifetime and 12-month mental disorders by three major disorder groups: Anxiety disorders (e.g. Social Phobia), Affective disorders (e.g. Depression) and Substance Use disorders (e.g. Alcohol Harmful Use). It also provided information on the level of impairment, the health services used for mental health problems, physical conditions, social networks and caregiving, as well as demographic and socio-economic characteristics.


TECHNICAL AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

4363.0.55.001 - Australian Health Survey: Users' Guide, 2011-13
This publication contains information about the 2011-13 Australian Health Survey, including the questionnaire, survey objectives, methods and design; survey content; data quality and interpretation; and information about the availability of results and comparability with previous surveys.

4363.0 - National Health Survey: Users' Guide, 2014-15
This publication contains details about the 2014-15 National Health Survey (NHS). It includes information about survey objectives, the development process, content of the survey, and the concepts, methods and procedures used in the collection of data and derivation of estimates.

4327.0 - National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing: Users' Guide, 2007
This publication contains information about the concepts and methods used in sampling, data collection and processing of the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Also included is a complete list of output data items and associated material to assist users in specifying data requirements.


AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE FORCE INDICATOR

WHAT HAVE WE HEARD FROM YOU ABOUT THE 2021 CENSUS?

A data need which has continued to be raised is gaining an understanding of the population who have previously served, or are currently serving in the Australian Defence Force. Understanding the demographic characteristics of this population, including where they live and their social and economic circumstances would allow for better service planning and delivery.


OTHER SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC

The Department of Veterans’ Affairs website has several research and study publications covering both health and social areas of interest. This selection includes Australian Veterans and War Widows – Your lives, your needs 2006. This survey has a broad scope, covering many aspects of veterans’ health and wellness, including lifestyle choices, levels of independence, health status and the use of community services.

Share your views with us on the most useful information we should collect in the 2021 Census. Make your submission to our review of 2021 Census topics at the ABS Consultation Hub.