A DETAILED and high-quality snapshot of Australia, its people and its communities will be revealed by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today as the 2016 Census of Population and Housing data is released, Small Business Minister Michael McCormack says.
“The ABS 2016 Census data release today will reveal what Australian people and their communities look like today and how much we have changed in five years,” Mr McCormack said.
“With more than 68 million facts in 2.8 million tables, the Census is a huge logistical task – one of the largest exercises in peace time. Every Australian helps shape our national snapshot, revealing how Australian society has grown and diversified over time, which then helps Governments of every level and persuasion shape well-informed policy.
“Thanks to the very high participation rate of Australians in last year’s Census, and the ABS’s efforts to assure the data through its rigorous quality checks, the Census will provide a comprehensive and accurate account of modern Australia.
“The Australian public has shown strong support for the 2016 Census with a significant shift from completing the Census on paper to more than 4.9 million Australian households completing their Census online.”
Today’s release will also include the detailed findings of the Independent Assurance Panel of eminent experts, appointed by the Australian Statistician to provide extra assurance of Census data quality, alongside the ABS’s existing quality assurance processes.
“The ABS advised me and confirmed in Senate Budget Estimates last month that Australians can trust the quality of the Census data,” Mr McCormack said.
Mr McCormack said Census results are used for more than Government planning, and encouraged communities to take a look once the data is released.
“Australians will have free access to a number of simple, easy-to-use products, including more than 80,000 QuickStats, which provide local area data summaries and more than 30,000 community profiles providing detailed data workbooks for local areas,” Mr McCormack said.
“The ABS is also holding free data seminars – open to everyone – right across Australia from July, including in many regional areas.
“The Census is a vital resource, which will help Governments, business big and small and communities shape the future of our nation and our regions over the next five years.
“I look forward to discovering these insights alongside all Australians today.”
The data will be released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics at 10am today. Further information will be available on the ABS website.