What are some of changes you can expect to see in the 2016 Census with the additional funding boost?
The ABS and Australian Government announced on May 6th 2015, that the 2016 Census will be going ahead in full, and be Australia’s first largely digital Census. This is a victory for all users of small area data, and ensures the continuation of the best quality data source for local area information for the near future at least.
Thanks to all those who participated in .id’s campaign to save the Census. Along with a lot of other voices, the government and ABS have seen reason. There’s still a discussion to be had about the use of the Census in future, and integration with other data sources, but for now at least it won’t be cancelled without anything to replace it.
As part of the arrangement, the federal government is also contributing $250m to upgrade the ABS computer systems, part of the reason the ABS said it could not run the Census.
The full detail of the announcement is here:
http://www.abs.gov.au//websitedbs/Corporate.nsf/Home/government+investment+in+the+ABS
Also in the fine print:
- ABS will continue to look at “big data” and partnerships with private companies to streamline data collection and link collections together.
- A new ABS office will open in Geelong, Victoria, for survey management.
- ABS will look at incorporating advertising on their website to increase revenue.
- They will begin “charging for more complex telephone and email enquiries”
We’re not sure what this last one will entail, exactly. Complex data extractions, such as those we use to build our profile, atlas and economy.id sites have always been charged for. It sounds like when you ring the ABS you might be charged just to answer a question now! Rest assured, that for all our clients, .id will continue to answer all your statistical questions as part of the service and help you fill the final gap in telling the story of the area.
Exactly what the Census content will be in 2016 is still unknown. Hopefully the ABS release the results of the 2013 consultation process soon and we can see what the form will look like. We’ll keep you posted!
