Case Study Pages:
Statistics and the Census - making sense of Australia
As a result of reading this Case Study, students should be able to:
- Explain possible uses of statistics and Census data for different population sectors and economic planning
- Understand why and how the Census is undertaken
- Discuss the benefits of electronic data gathering and dissemination
Introduction
Statistics help us tell interesting stories and enable us to make sense of the world. They can indicate change and allow meaningful comparisons to be made.
Who uses ABS statistics?
Providing accurate and authoritative statistical information strengthens our society and allows governments to make decisions and inform policy.
What is the Census?
The Census of Population and Housing is the largest statistical operation undertaken by the ABS.
Introducing the eCensus
The ABS is progressively introducing information communication technologies into its work program and is committed to continually improving data collection and dissemination facilities to make it easier for individuals to submit data and to provide easier access to information.
Census 2011
The next Census is planned for the night of Tuesday 9 August 2011, with an estimated nine million dwellings expected to contribute.
Conclusion
ABS data and statistics are used in all walks of life. The ABS is committed to continually improving information collection and dissemination facilities to make data and statistics easier to access and use.