2062.0 - Census Data Enhancement Project: An Update, Oct 2010  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 15/10/2010   
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Contents >> Introduction

INTRODUCTION

The Census Data Enhancement (CDE) project is a major project involving integrating unit record data from the Census of Population and Housing with other ABS and non-ABS datasets to create new datasets for statistical and research purposes. The project also adds value to data from the Census of Population and Housing by bringing it together with data from future Censuses.

The CDE project delivers significant public benefits without compromising the privacy of individuals or the confidentiality of their data. The project facilitates:
    • improved information to support good government policy making, program evaluation and service delivery; and
    • an improved and expanded range of official statistics.

The Australian Statistician announced his intention to proceed with a CDE project in August 2005 after extensive discussion and consultation. The project was first undertaken for the 2006 Census and the ABS intends to continue the project for the 2011 Census. This paper provides an update on the outcomes of the 2006 CDE project and presents plans for the continuation of the project for the 2011 Census.

AUTHORITY

Under the Australian Bureau of Statistics Act 1975, the ABS is the central statistical authority for the Australian Government. Among its functions, the ABS is required to:
    • collect, compile, analyse and disseminate statistics and related information;
    • avoid duplication of collection by official bodies, of information for statistical purposes; and
    • achieve maximum possible utilisation, for statistical purposes, of information available to official bodies.

The CDE project is consistent with the legislated function of the ABS to maximise the use, for statistical purposes, of information available to official bodies.

The ABS is obligated to comply with provisions in the Census and Statistics Act 1905 and the Privacy Act 1988 to respect the privacy of individuals and to protect the confidentiality of their data. The use and release of data from the CDE project is governed by the provisions outlined under both these Acts.



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