Indigenous special enumeration strategy
The ABS has implemented procedures tailored to the enumeration of Indigenous people living in discrete communities since the 1976 Census. The 2006 Census procedures build on this experience with the 2006 Census Indigenous Enumeration Strategy. This strategy ensures that procedures can be tailored in response to each Indigenous community's requirements.
Central to this strategy is the role undertaken by the State Indigenous Manager (SIM). The role of the SIM is to lay the groundwork for a successful enumeration by working with Indigenous groups and media to encourage participation. The SIM also coordinates the enumeration activities which affect Indigenous peoples.
The SIM in each state and territory will be supported by the Indigenous Engagement Manager (IEM). IEMs are ongoing ABS staff members employed to implement the ABS' Indigenous Community Engagement Strategy, and have responsibility for liaising with Indigenous communities and organisations and advising the ABS on enumeration issues relating to Indigenous people. IEMs also facilitate the return of ABS data to Indigenous communities and organisations in a culturally appropriate manner. In some states the IEM will take on the role of the SIM.
As in the past, Census Field Officers are employed to work with Indigenous communities to ensure they are counted in the Census. This includes gaining community acceptance for the Census and the recruitment of local field staff.
In certain Indigenous communities, an interview form designed to be appropriate to Indigenous culture is used. This part of the strategy is used in discrete communities where communities indicate the need due to the cultural or language situation. In these cases Census Field Officers recruit, train and work with people from the community so that they can manage the enumeration and conduct the interviews.
In other areas, Indigenous peoples are enumerated using standard procedures and forms. Special collectors skilled in Indigenous languages and culture are available to assist in these areas if required.
See also Interviewer household form.
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