2007.0 - Information Paper: Census of Population and Housing: ABS Views on Content and Procedures, 2011

ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 26/10/2007

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Contents >> Topics to be Included in the 2011 Census >> Dwelling Internet Connection

DWELLING INTERNET CONNECTION

JUSTIFICATION

There are a number of equity issues associated with access to the Internet. This question is used to target and monitor government programs.

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

For the 2001 Census, data on Internet and computer use by individuals were collected. These questions were not asked for the 2006 Census.

For 2006, a question on dwelling Internet connection was asked. This question focused on whether private dwellings had an Internet connection, and the type of connection in the dwelling.

USER REQUIREMENTS

There is a continuing requirement by the federal and state governments for data on access to and use of information and communications technology including the Internet, at small area level and for particular sectors of the population, in order to target a range of policies and programs.

The output on such questions, when analysed in conjunction with demographic and socio-economic information from other questions on the Census form, provides important insights into accessibility and use of Internet across all sectors of Australian society, including areas of disadvantage or need.

AVAILABILITY OF NON-CENSUS DATA

Data on access to the Internet is available through:

Household Use of Information Technology, Australia, 2005-06 (cat. no 8146.0)
Use of Information Technology on Farms, Australia, 2004-05 (cat. no. 8150.0).

COMMENTS

The Internet and computer technology field is very dynamic and it is difficult to anticipate future key issues. The complexity of the field also restricts the type of data which can be collected through the Census. Most Australians now have some basic access to computers and the Internet. As a result, the focus of government policy attention is moving to more complex questions such as the capacity of particular technologies which are accessed and relied upon, and the purposes for which Internet and computer technology are used.

POSSIBLE CHANGES FOR 2011

At this stage broadband take-up by type of technology (including mobile telecommunications as well as fixed-line), and the main use by households of their broadband, appear to be the most important Internet and computer technology related areas of interest for the 2011 Census.

The collection of information regarding barriers to adoption of broadband (financial, location, technological, knowledge) is also important for understanding impediments to access from a demand-side perspective.

For the 2011 Census, the ABS will be revising the question wording based on emerging user demands.

2006 CENSUS QUESTION

(Household form only)