Review of 2021 Census Topics - Australian Bureau of Statistics

Response 44578604

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KEEP: question regarding "what is a person's religion?".

CHANGE OPTIONS:
1. group all Christian religions together; OR
2. second preference: add "Pentecostal" as an option, as this is a growing affiliation; AND
3. add Judaism. This group is different to the other options and holds special historical, global significance.

Choose your area of interest

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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

Assessment Criteria 1

1. This topic is of current national importance.

It is very important to continue to ask people what their religious affiliation is.

This data is required for policy development and planning. It may also be used for research purposes.

Assessment Criteria 2

2. There is a need for data from a Census of the whole population.

There is value in finding out what religion people identify with, especially in combination with other data collected in the Census. For example, if there is a surge in religious identification in particular age groups, this may affect how to reach these particular age groups with programs targeted at these age groups.

Assessment Criteria 3

3. The topic can be accurately collected in a form which the household completes themselves.

The topic of religious affiliation is easily understood by respondents and the information can be easily collected.

Assessment Criteria 4

4. The topic would be acceptable to Census respondents.

The question regarding religious affiliation is has been a standard question for a long time and should continue.

There is however, a question around accuracy of data collected. Some areas should be grouped, where others should be added.

Assessment Criteria 5

5. The topic can be collected efficiently.

The proposed change to group all Christian groups together would simplify the form, reducing cost.

If this option is not accepted, a second preference would be to include "Pentecostal" as one of the options. This is a rapidly growing Christian affiliation, particularly amongst younger age groups, which is not the same trend for traditional Christian religions. This would not add significant cost to the Census.

Judaism should have their own tick box. It is distinct to other religions listed.

Assessment Criteria 6

6. There is likely to be a continuing need for data on this topic in the following Census.

Time series data regarding religion will be a continuing need. Not only for those working in this field, but policy makers and others servicing these groups.

It will be relevant for the future, as EVERYONE has a religious belief. NOT having affiliation to a religious group still implies religious belief eg. atheism, humanism etc.

Assessment Criteria 7

7. There are no other alternative data sources or solutions that could meet the topic need.

This data would be extremely difficult and expensive (not to mention inaccurate) to obtain by other means.

Any further comments?

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SUMMARY

KEEP: question regarding "what is a person's religion?".

CHANGE OPTIONS:
1. group all Christian religions together; OR
2. second preference: add "Pentecostal" as an option, as this is a growing affiliation; AND
3. add Judaism. This group is different to the other options and holds special historical, global significance.