Spouse/partner indicator (SPIP)

This variable records the usually resident husband/wife/partner or de facto partner in a couple family. It identifies the husband/wife/partner of each family reference person counted in the same family on Census Night, or reported as temporarily absent on Census Night.

Couple families present in the household on Census Night

This variable is derived from the the following variables:

• Family/household reference person indicator (RPIP)
• Relationship in household (RLHP)

Where a person is both the reference person in the family (RPIP category 1, 2 or 3) and is in a registered or de facto marriage they are coded to '1 Family reference person'.

Where a person is not the reference person in the family (RPIP category 5) and is in a registered or de facto marriage they are coded to '2 Spouse/partner'.

This variable is new for 2021.

A family is based off a ‘reference person’. This is usually Person 1 on the Census form. Where this isn’t Person 1, a more appropriate person on the form is chosen during coding. This is based on age, marital status, and relationship considerations. A reference person must be a usual resident of the dwelling aged 15 years and over, and present on Census Night. For example, an adult is chosen rather than a child, or in the event of multiple family households, additional reference people are chosen.

This variable identifies the spouse or partner of each family reference person counted in the same family on Census Night or reported as temporarily absent on Census Night. The couple may be in a registered or de facto marriage.

This variable does not have a non-response rate as it is created during Census processing by using responses from more than one question on the Census form. 

• Social marital status (MDCP)
• Registered marital status (MSTP)
• Relationship as reported for couples (RLCP)
• Relationship in household (RLHP)
• Family/household reference person indicator (RPIP)
• Family
• Temporarily absent

• People
• Household and families: Census