Some of the additional data I would like to see included in the Census:
• Health and wellbeing statistics (including physical and mental health, and availability/access to health services)
• Recreation statistics (participation and non-participation rates and in what areas)
• Use of technology statistics (and potential impact on relationships, health, community, productivity etc.)
Choose your area of interest
Please select one item
(Required)
Population
Sex and gender
Households and families
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Income and work
Unpaid work and care
Education and training
Disability and carers
Housing
Location
Transport
Cultural diversity
Religion
Ticked
Other topic
If Other topic please specify
Health, wellbeing, recreation, technology
Assessment Criteria 1
1.
This topic is of current national importance.
National Importance
data is used as evidence to support funding submissions
data is needed to support policy development, planning or program monitoring
data is used for research purposes
Assessment Criteria 2
2.
There is a need for data from a Census of the whole population.
For whole population
data is needed for small population groups
data is needed for small geographic areas
the value of the topic is enhanced through combining with other characteristics collected in the Census
Assessment Criteria 3
3.
The topic can be accurately collected in a form which the household completes themselves.
Easy to answer
the topic is likely to be easily understood by respondents
the topic can be collected in a simple question or questions
respondents will easily know the answer to the question(s)
Assessment Criteria 4
4.
The topic would be acceptable to Census respondents.
Acceptable
Recreation, health and wellbeing are generally easy to respond to, and if de-identified most people in general would have no issue. Mental health carries more of a stigma but if confidentiality is assured it is an important statistic to collect and know about to inform service planning.
Assessment Criteria 5
5.
The topic can be collected efficiently.
Collected efficiently
It all depends on the level of detail collected.
Assessment Criteria 6
6.
There is likely to be a continuing need for data on this topic in the following Census.
Continuing need
there is a need for time series data on the topic
the topic is likely to remain relevant in the future
Assessment Criteria 7
7.
There are no other alternative data sources or solutions that could meet the topic need.
No alternatives
If it is produced by other departments, it is not as easily accessible as through the ABS and can be better compared and correlated with other topics for same populations.