Review of 2021 Census Topics

Suggested additional questions relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait theme, including language spoken and active involvement in native culture.

There are many complexities regarding the appropriate recording of demographic data related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people.
While a small proportion of people identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island, a smaller proportion both identify and are involved in actively supporting and protecting their culture.
While the proportions are small, the needs are large, and collecting data on practicing numbers helps in allocation of funds, and the types of programs designed to support indigenous culture.

Similarly, identifying indigenous languages spoken provides a better understanding of needs, which can then matched with better programs to support these residents, and connect them with others with similar traits.

The proportions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people remain small compared to total populations. However, the needs are large, and collecting data on practicing numbers and languages used helps in allocation of funds, and the types of programs designed to support indigenous culture.

Questions regarding language spoken, and involvement in indigenous culture, are simple questions to ask. Due to the number of potential languages, it would be preferable to leave this as an open ended question, rather than list the 10 (?) most common languages.

For those respondents who relate to questions of indigenous involvement and language, the questions would be welcome. For those who do not, they can simply 'move on' to other questions.

The question of how well Australia is protecting its indigenous heritage will continue (whether there is growth or decline). The collection of data over time is valuable.

Data may be collected through other means, but not comprehensively or regularly.